A convicted criminal who fatally stabbed the current partner of his ex-girlfriend in a public setting and fled to London has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
The father-of-two, Daniel Micska, was stabbed in the chest in August by Daniel Balazs, 21, of Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
Man Stabs Ex-Girlfriend's New Partner
KINGSTON, JAMAICA - MARCH 27: A CCTV camera operates in the Pegasus Hotel in Jamaica where Pakistan Coach Bob Woolmer was found dead a week ago, March 27, 2007 in Kingston, Jamaica. A murder investigation is now under way into the death of Bob Woolmer after the post-mortem results proved that Bob Woolmer's death was due to asphyxia as a result of manual strangulation.
The Sheffield Crown Court trial used the CCTV footage to document the events leading up to the sad occurrence. The footage, released after Balazs' sentencing, paints a grim picture of his actions. On August 2, 21-year-old Balazs, accompanied by his sister, arrived at Stansted Airport.
A week later, on the night of the attack, he was seen walking towards Pinder Oaks Street in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. He then stopped near the victim's previous address on Lancaster Street, where he reportedly whistled towards the property.
A relative, recognizing Balazs outside Daniel's cousin's home, approached him to inquire about his intentions. Simultaneously, Daniel and another cousin joined the relative outside. In a shocking turn of events, Balazs ran towards Daniel, stabbing him in the chest as he attempted to seek refuge inside the house.
After leaving Daniel for dead, Balazs was captured on CCTV fleeing the scene. Despite neighbors' valiant efforts to save Daniel's life, he succumbed to his injuries approximately 40 minutes after the attack. Balazs, however, fled the crime scene and traveled to London before eventually turning himself in.
Throughout the trial, Balazs maintained a claim of self-defense, asserting that he attacked Daniel in response to perceived threats. However, the jury deliberated for a mere 50 minutes before finding him guilty of murder. The sentencing came as a culmination of a six-day trial, with Judge Graham Reeds KC handing down a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years.
Detective Inspector Matt Bolger from South Yorkshire Police expressed disdain for Balazs's actions, stating, "Balazs showed brutality and cowardice as he ended a man's life and then fled across the country to try and avoid the punishment he knew was coming," according to The Sun.
Daniel Balazs Case
Balazs had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article, receiving an additional 12-month concurrent jail term for this charge. The court heard that Balazs had learned about his former girlfriend's relationship with the victim, which led to heightened tensions.
Judge Reeds, during sentencing, remarked that it appeared Balazs sought to "teach [Daniel] a lesson" in a confrontation stemming from jealousy. He emphasized the profound impact of Balazs's actions, stating, "You snuffed out the life of another man and in the process ruined the lives of the people closest to him, and indeed your own life."
In a statement released by the victim's heartbroken family, they described Daniel as a loving brother and father, leaving behind two young children who now have to grow up without their dad. While the verdict won't bring Daniel back, the family expressed gratitude for the justice system and the support received throughout the investigation.
The acts of violence by Balazs had an awful effect on both the community and the family members left behind. The terrible occurrence has shattered the tranquility of the town, leaving the community to deal with its aftermath, BBC News reported.
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