Man sentenced for manslaughter - Cuffley

A man has been sentenced to 3 years and 7 months in prison for the manslaughter of a “beloved son, brother and much loved partner”.

Kieran Roche, aged 30, appeared at St Albans Crown Court today (Thursday 18 December) after being found guilty of the killing of Robert Tyler-Jones.

Robert, aged 24 and from Northaw, sustained stab wounds during an altercation at Roche’s address in Station Road, Cuffley, on Wednesday 23 April.

An investigation was launched by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit and Roche was arrested the following day.

Detective Sergeant Steve Boddy, from the BCH Major Crime Unit, said: “I hope today’s result brings some sense of justice for Robert’s family and reassures the public that those who use a knife will face consequences. I would also like to thank my officers who worked hard on this case to ensure that Roche will face time in prison for his actions.” 

Welwyn Hatfield Chief Inspector Pete Frost added: “My thoughts go out to Robert’s family as they begin to try and move forwards. Knife crime has no place here and I urge anybody who has concerns about somebody carrying a knife to please get in touch. We appreciate that it can be a daunting thing to do but you can also speak anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers who are independent from the police.”

Robert’s family said: “The loss of Robert has absolutely devastated our lives in ways that words can never fully express. Life will never be the same for any of us, we have lost a beloved son, brother and much loved partner. No amount of time or justice can ever make up for the love, future, and memories taken from us. We will spend every single day for the rest of our lives honouring Robert, speaking his name, and ensuring that he is never forgotten.”

You can report information about knives online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

In an emergency, always call 999.