Mother pays emotional tribute to son stabbed in Blackpool

James Welsh stabbed Ryan Broxup in the right leg during the confrontation in the communal gardens of Thornham Court, Hollywood Avenue, Blackpool, shortly before 8am on August 6.

Ryan, 49, did not die at the scene, but medical intervention could not prevent his death the following day from multi-organ failure.

That followed cardiac arrest because of severe blood loss caused by the stab wound to his leg.

Ryan Broxup (Image: Lancashire Police)

Ryan and Welsh were acquaintances but had fallen out as Welsh thought Ryan was taking advantage of him by letting himself into his flat, helping himself to food, and asking Welsh if he could use the flat to sell drugs.

The pair argued, which led to the fatal incident.

Following the trial at Preston Crown Court, Ryan’s mum Mary Broxup spoke of her loss and paid an emotional tribute to her son.

She said: “Ryan was the last family member I had. Ryan lived his own life and had moved to various places across the UK, the most recent place being Blackpool.

“Although he lived away the majority of his adult life, he would always stay in touch. He would ring regularly, and I would try to visit him wherever he was.

“If I needed Ryan, he was there for me.

“I did not see Ryan as an angel and I know he did wrong to people sometimes, however he didn’t deserve to be killed. Other people during the trial had been given the opportunity to say what happened that day in August but Ryan didn’t have that opportunity and not will be able to.”

Welsh, 55, of Hollywood Avenue, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of an offensive weapon.

He denied murder and was found not guilty by a jury today (February 22) following a trial.

James Welsh (Image: Lancashire Police)

Judge Simon Medland said Welsh taking a knife to the confrontation was an aggravating feature.

He jailed Welsh for 12 years.

Detective Insp Simon Pritchard, of Lancashire Police’s force major investigation team (FMIT) said: “Incidents involving knives can have tragic consequences and this was sadly such an occasion.

“Ryan Broxup lost his life because Welsh chose to arm himself with a knife – Welsh now has to carry that responsibility.

“Knife crime is a blight on communities and the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network and other partners continue working together to prevent knife and violent crime happening.”