No-one ever caught for knife-slaying of young dad at Sheffield New Year’s Eve party over 14 years ago
The dance floor crime scene was trampled through as those in the nightclub fled - making it difficult for forensic evidence to be recovered
A chaotic Sheffield New Year’s Eve party over 14 years ago culminated in a 27-year-old dad-of-two being stabbed to death on the dance floor.
In the aftermath of the knife attack on January 1, 2012, at the Stars and Mayfair R 'n' B party on Queens Road fights broke out and officers had to use CS gas to restrain some of those involved in the violent scenes.
The dance floor crime scene ended up being trampled through as those in the nightclub fled, making it difficult for forensic evidence to be recovered, which hindered the police probe.
Police arrived at the venue at 2.47am to find Joshua Green, aged 27, had been stabbed in the neck and back and despite the efforts of friends, relatives, fellow revellers and staff who battled to revive him, Joshua’s life could not be saved.
Two other people, a man and a woman, were also injured in the club that night and to this day no-one has ever been charged with the murder of dad-of-two Joshua, of Manor Park.
An inquest into Joshua’s death heard despite over 400 people being captured on CCTV cameras entering the club on New Year’s Eve, only a disappointing number came forward afterwards to say what they had witnessed a few hours later.
A knife arch was installed as a security measure ahead of the event but a blade still ended up on the dance floor and was used against Joshua.
At the inquest into Joshua’s murder, Detective Inspector Steve Handley, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “There were people reluctant to speak to the police because of how they live their lives.
“People who did want to were reluctant because of fear and concern because of some of the elements within the club. Certainly there was a mist of fear of intimidation.”
Recording a verdict of unlawful killing after the inquest, the then Sheffield coroner Chris Dorries said: “This is not the sort of matter police ever give up on.
“The people involved know they have done it and will have to wait and eventually face a knock on their door.”
Arrests have been made over Joshua’s death but nobody has ever been charged with his murder. Anyone with information about the murder should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.