Man found guilty of killing father outside pub

A man who stabbed to death another man outside a pub has been convicted of murder.

William Cosier killed Adam Pritchard with a knife he took from the kitchen at the Queens Head pub in Boughton-under-Blean, Kent Police said.

Mr Pritchard died after the pair grappled outside the pub following an argument, they added.

Cosier, of Well Lane, Canterbury, who had pleaded not guilty, was convicted at Canterbury Crown Court following a trial.

Cosier had been at the Queens Head "for some time" on 13 March, while Pritchard arrived at about 22:30 BST, officers said.

The pair exchanged words and started fighting before Cosier raised a bar stool above his head and Mr Pritchard walked out of the building, they added.

Cosier went to the kitchen and picked up a knife with a 22cm blade, as a member of staff urged him to put it down.

He then followed Mr Pritchard into the street whilst concealing the weapon behind his back.

Mr Pritchard then returned to the pub with bloodstains and was put in a car as people tried to get him to hospital, police added.

Cosier fled the scene but handed himself in to police on March 14, and he was charged two days later.

The 34-year-old will be sentenced on 1 November.

Det Insp Lee Neiles, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "I would like to thank the witnesses who have assisted us to bring this violent individual to justice.

"Cosier has left a family mourning the tragic loss of a loved one and I hope his conviction will allow them to find some closure."

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