Girl Mourning Father's Death Following Stabbing Tragedy
Lamentation has swept over the family of a 43-year-old man from Barnsley, who was brutally ousted from life while vacationing in Ingoldmells. Gareth Hart met his cruel fate outside the Fantasy Grill & Balti on Sea Lane, during an altercation with a man who has since been convicted of his manslaughter.
The Fatal Incident and Conviction
The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, April 6, 2023. Hart got into a violent disagreement with Joseph Allan Malek, 33, a Market Place, Belper, Derbyshire resident. Malek wielded a penknife, piercing it into Mr Hart's heart and consequently ending his life, as declared by court reports.
The Sentencing
The trial concluded on Friday, November 3 with Malek receiving a 10-year prison sentence at Lincoln Crown Court for his violent actions.
Expressions of Sorrow
The profound grief of Hart’s family was solemnly illustrated in the court via emotional statements.
“The feeling I have is quite literally indescribable. I went on holiday with five of us and only four of us came back, it's heartbreaking. Knowing I don't have a dad breaks my heart every time I think about it. I don't have anyone to take me to prom or walk me down the aisle and I never got to say goodbye.”
These words echo through the chambers, the heart-rending sentiments of Hart's 12-year-old daughter, a girl now left fatherless.
The girl added, "Every night I dream of telling my dad 'goodnight and I love you.' I feel so heartbroken and upset, I can hardly explain it. I'm a 12-year-old girl who has to live the rest of my life without my dad because of the selfish act of one person."
Hart’s mother also delivered a poignant message: "My darling grandchildren won't have a father to get them through. It hurts so deeply that we have no more memories to make."
Her grief was palpably felt, "My son Gareth meant so much to my family, he was a son, brother, father and uncle. He is deeply missed, my pain and sorrow will last my lifetime. I have good and bad days but mostly bad."
Regret of the Convicted
Also presented during the hearing was a statement from the defendant, who expressed his remorse through his barrister Gordon Aspden KC. He admitted, "there is not a moment that goes by" where he doesn't "think of the pain Mr Hart's family must be going through" and "wishes that he had the ability to go back in time and not go drinking that night."