The victim of a fatal stabbing in Watford has been described as the “joker of the pack” by his family.

Luke O’Connell was stabbed in Gammons Lane, Watford, during the early hours of August 31, 2019.

During a seven-week trial at Reading Crown Court, the jury was told how police were called just before 3am to reports of a three-vehicle collision and a subsequent fight.

Officers attended and found Luke with stab wounds.

He was rushed to hospital where he later died.

Seven men have now been sentenced in connection with his murder.

Following the trial, Luke’s family issued a heart felt tribute to him.

It read: “Losing Luke has devastated our family as well as his friends, who called him Peanut.

“He was the joker of the pack and we all miss him every second, of every day.

“As a family we would like to thank Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins and her team and QC Miss Bex and her junior Mr Bisgrove for all their hard work and support over the past two years.”

The court heard Luke was a back-seat passenger of a VW Golf being driven by another man. The pair had an ongoing dispute with a group of men which came to a head.

A car chase ensued which resulted in a crash.

The group of men are said to have used weapons to attack the VW Golf and the men inside.

Luke was stabbed and suffered a wound to the chest which proved fatal.

The second man was also assaulted and stabbed.

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with Luke’s family and I would like to thank them for their support during what has been a complex investigation. Delays to court proceedings, due to the pandemic, have made the two years since Luke’s death incredibly difficult for them and the dignity they have shown throughout is remarkable.

“I hope the guilty verdicts can bring them a sense of justice, although I appreciate that nothing will bring Luke back or ease the pain that they have felt since Luke’s life was so cruelly ended in horrific circumstances.”

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