A man was sentenced for the manslaughter of a 20-year-old after a chase in the Forest of Dean, leaving a community in shock and mourning.
Coleford: A tragic incident unfolded in the Forest of Dean. A 20-year-old man, Luke Wasley, lost his life after being stabbed. Neil Woodley, 50, has been sentenced for this crime.
It all started on June 13, 2023. Luke was hanging out with friends when they spotted Woodley. They followed him, shouting. Things escalated quickly. Woodley turned around and pulled out a knife.
After some back and forth, Luke and his friends chased Woodley down the street. They confronted him, and in the chaos, Woodley stabbed Luke in the arm and stomach. Emergency services arrived, but it was too late.
In court, Woodley claimed he was scared and just wanted to defend himself. He didn’t mean to hurt anyone, he said. But the judge pointed out that carrying a knife was a dangerous choice.
Woodley received a nine-year sentence for manslaughter. He also got time for having a knife in public. Luke’s family is heartbroken. They remember him as a joyful young man with a bright future.
They thanked everyone who helped Luke that night and the police for their support. The loss of Luke is something they’ll never fully recover from. It’s a painful reminder of a life cut short.
