'Your mate was murdered and you all said nothing'

The father of a teenager murdered in a fight says he still does not know why it began as none of his son's friends have ever explained why.

Matthew Daulby, 19, of Liverpool, was knifed when two groups clashed outside a bar in Ormskirk, Lancashire, on 29 July 2023. Thomas Dures, 22, was jailed for life for murder in July after going on the run.

Henry Houghton was jailed last year for his role and on Monday three men were sentenced after being found guilty of plotting to commit violent disorder that led to the killing.

Mr Daulby's dad, Gary, told Preston Crown Court questions remained, including why his son's friends did not help police. "Your mate had been murdered and you all said nothing."

In a victim impact statement to the court, Mr Daulby said: "I am providing this statement to explain the impact that the conspiracy to commit violent disorder has had on me and my family.

"What was supposed to be just a normal Friday night out for Matthew around Maghull, before a holiday to Ibiza the following Tuesday.

"The night very quickly turned into something that would change so many lives forever. Most of all ours.

"The knowledge that a conspiracy existed and contributed to Matthew's death has left me and my family totally shocked.

"Throughout this trial I have learned that there had been an earlier altercation with Thomas Dures in Ormskirk and other events prior to this night.

"I still have more questions than answers. Here are a few:

"Why didn't anyone take a breath and say why are we doing this?

"Why didn't you ask each other what the consequences of going to Ormskirk to fight could be?

"Why didn't anyone think about the impact of these actions?

"Why didn't any of Matthew's friends give a statement to help their mate and the investigation?

"Your mate had been murdered and you all said nothing.

"And I still do not know fully what the beef was that started all of this. Not one of Matthew's mates have ever told me."

He continued: "The loss of Matthew has ruined our lives.

"We now live a very different life to the life we had before.

"Birthdays, family events and Christmas no longer hold the same feeling or enjoyment without Matthew being there.

"Everything that happened that fateful night has impacted every single part of our lives.

"Matthew didn't deserve what happened to him.

"He had just turned 19 and had his whole life ahead him.

"He is the biggest loser here today.

"As a family we try every day to pick up the pieces and keep moving forward with Matthew in our hearts.

"The pain we feel cannot be measured by any legal sentence.

"The loss of Matthew is permanent, and the effects of all this will be felt for the rest of our lives.

"Matthew deserved so much more than what was taken from him.

"Our lives will never be the same, and we will continue to carry the weight of this tragedy forever."

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