Teenager guilty of father's murder

A teenager has been found guilty of murdering her father
12 April 2012

A teenager has broken down in tears after a jury found her guilty of murdering her father.

Antiques dealer Antoni Robinson, 61, was stabbed 15 times as he slept in bed at his home in Old Colwyn, North Wales, Mold Crown Court was told.

A jury of seven women and five men unanimously found Gordon Harding, 20, and Mr Robinson's daughter, Ashleigh Robinson, 19, guilty of murder.

The trial heard Harding launched the attack "supported and encouraged" by his girlfriend.

Robinson broke down in tears as the verdict was announced, while Harding held his head in his hands.

Harding and Robinson, of Llanelian Road, Old Colwyn, were accused of murder along with Sacha Roberts, 19, of Woodland Road West, Colwyn Bay, and a 16-year-old girl who cannot be identified because of her age. Verdicts have not yet been returned in relation to Roberts and the 16-year-old girl.

Andrew Thomas QC previously told the court that the attack happened in the early hours of July 7 last year when the four defendants gained access to Mr Robinson's home as he slept.

He told the jury that Mr Robinson suffered wounds to his face, neck and upper body, including four stab wounds to his back. The jugular veins on both side of his neck were severed and he died within minutes of the attack, said Mr Thomas.

He said Robinson "encouraged and supported" Harding as he carried out the murder, adding: "This killing was the tragic result of family disputes over money, jewellery and property." Harding admitted stabbing Mr Robinson, but told the court that he was acting in self-defence.

The jury was sent home and will continue its deliberations in relation to the remaining defendants on Monday.

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