Trio admit killing man by chasing him into River Nene at Peterborough
Three men have admitted killing a man by chasing him into the River Nene in Peterborough.
Cambridgeshire police say that Jordanas Prismontas, Cole Mackaness, and Thomas McShane began assaulting and threatened 30-year-old Conor Kinlan with a knife and at about noon on January 23 this year.
Conor, who had been with his partner and a friend beside the River Nene, near Railworld car park, ran away as the trio accused him of stealing from them.
Police say that Mackaness produced a knife and began waving it at Conor who retreated into the river after being threatened and becoming cornered.
A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire police said: “Witnesses said after being forced back into the water a second time Conor never re-emerged.
“This was despite his partner and friend both entering the cold water to try to save him and the best efforts of emergency services.
“His body was recovered nearby in the river about 15 hours later by a specialist police dive team.”
An investigation was launched and detectives arrested McShane on January 29, Mackaness on January 30, and Prismontas on February 1.
Police say that it transpired the incident was related to the "Felix" drug dealing line that had been operating in the local area.
Mackaness (19) of Baden Powell Way, Wellingborough, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, possession of a bladed article and two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs at a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on May 14.
At the same court on 24 June, McShane (20) of Collier Mews, Paston, Peterborough, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a bladed article.
Prismontas (19), of Fulbridge Road, Peterborough, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, possession of a bladed article and two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.
The later pleas have not been reported until now due to restrictions imposed by the court, which were lifted on July 9.
The men are due to be sentenced on October 15.
Afterwards, DCI Rich Stott, from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident that led to the loss of Conor’s life.
"My thoughts are with Conor’s family and friends at what must be a very difficult time.
"I hope these convictions will help them to come to terms with their devastating loss.
“All three defendants were equally responsible when they chased him to his death that day.
"The water was very cold and a real risk to anyone that entered it.
"They were all jointly in possession of weapons used to threaten him and had Conor not been forced into the river I have no doubt they would have used them.”