After being told he looked foolish in a series prank text, a knifeman stabbed a male model and killed him on Valentine’s Day. He was today sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
O’Neal Joseph (28), fatally staggered Yannick Cupido, in his chest, during a row at an off-licence near Reading, Berks.
24-year-old Reece Weatherburn and Mr Cupido were involved in numerous prank texts just hours before.
According to the texts, Weatherburn was a friend of Weatherburn and had been arrested for stabbing.
Joseph was fed up and began to worry about his friend. However, he realized it was just a joke and became angry.
The text battle began with Mr Cupido. They agreed to meet outside, and Joseph pulled out a kitchen knife on the model.
After being found guilty for murder, Joseph received a life sentence from Reading Crown Court.
Weatherburn, who was convicted on two counts of impeding an investigation by Joseph, was sentenced to three years in prison.
O’Neal Joseph (pictured below) fatally stabbed Yannick Cupido (pictured right), in the chest in a fight outside a Lower Caversham off-licence, close to Reading, Berks. 24-year-old Mr Cupido had earlier been in a series prank texts along with his friend Reece Weatherburn.
An earlier testimony to the jury stated that Weatherburn and Mr Cupido had sent bogus messages, which Weatherburn thought was a fake, on February 13th.
Weatherburn was accused of stabbing and being arrested.
Joseph, another close friend of Weatherburns’, heard about the messages. He took them at face price and started to feel worried and angry.
The result was a series of aggressive texts being sent to Mr Cupido. They then agreed to meet outside Lower Cavisham’s off-licence.
According to the jury, the violence at the meeting quickly escalated. Joseph attacked Mr Cupido with his kitchen knife.
He fled from the scene, but he collapsed a short time later. He was later killed by his injuries after passers-by called for an ambulance. The attack left him with a severe wound which punctured his lung.
According to the court, Joseph had fled from the scene and visited various friends. Weatherburn finally met Joseph at 3AM on Valentine’s Day. Weatherburn then laid low in Joseph’s flat.
Weatherburn said that Joseph knew nothing about the attack and he turned himself in two days later.
David Hislop, QC, defended Joseph. He stated: “At only 28 years old, he is facing a long sentence in prison.
“He won’t see his children grow up and will have to bear the fact that his son is being held in jail for his murder.
He will have to accept the fact that he has murdered another man in just a few moments of madness.
The result was a series of abusive text messages that were sent to the police before they finally agreed to meet at Lower Cavisham off-licence. Photo: The police on the scene
“He has destroyed not only his own life, but also the lives of many others. This is something he must live with the rest of their lives. They are each severe punishments.
Nadia Chbat, defending Weatherburn said that Weatherburn provided little assistance during the time Joseph was hiding at his house.
Joseph did not send the defendant to scope, and he doesn’t provide Joseph with any phones, money or vehicles.
Joseph was under immense pressure from ‘Weatherburn because of his involvement.
You might believe he was emotional ill-equipped. Ms Chabt said that Weatherburn was a person of great affection for Mr Cupido.
“Having had a small disagreement on February 13th, he texted Mr Cupido to tell him that he would be back and they could settle their dispute.
Joseph was convicted of murder because of Mr Weatherburn’s actions.
Matthew Walsh was charged with prosecution. He stated: “By the moment he allowed Joseph to stay at his home, he realized that there had been a serious stabbing.
“By the time that he was dealing in police on the afternoon and evening of the fourteenth, he realized Mr Cupido’s death.”
“He was aware that Mr Joseph was suspect. This gave Mr Joseph the opportunity to stay off the streets, and also allowed him to plan.
“The misinformation caused him to be able to escape apprehension over several days until he could leave the Reading region.
‘What was the cost to justice? The effect caused the investigation’s pace to slow down than usual. However, it hasn’t hindered the prosecution.
Joseph was sentenced from Reading to life imprisonment. This means that he will have to serve 23 years, 86 days, and then be eligible for parole. Photographed by police on the spot
Weatherburn, also from Reading was sentenced for three years. Weatherburn will be required to serve the remaining time in prison before parole can be granted. Pictured are officers on scene
Amjad Nawaz sentenced both men and said, “He [Mr Cupido]Although he may have made mistakes, he was still loved by all. The family is grieving and no sentence from this court will make it up.
Judge continued recounting the events leading to the attack. He stated: “Neither.” [Mr Cupido nor Joseph]He was willing to accept that it was only a face-saving maneuver. He [Joseph]He was made foolish, and would not stand for it. This was the spark that sparked everything else.
‘He [Joseph]Yannick Cupido was the man I was searching for. The neighbours soon heard the squabbling of two men.
“Mr Joseph” claims that he went back to Best One and saw Mr Cupido. It lasted for just more than 2 minutes.
“Yannick Cupido” did indeed have a glass of wine and the bottle did fall to the ground. While he might have tried to defend himself initially, the jury has to have determined that it was only a small amount.
Reece Weatherburn was involved in the crime. You would never have found him if you didn’t contact him.
Weatherburn was then addressed by the judge, who said: “You claim that you were young at the time, and that loyalty to your friend led to misguided behavior.”
“That could not have been continued, as you did not provide the correct information to the police.”
A court usher interrupted Judge Nawaz as he was completing his sentencing. It was discovered that an individual in the court gallery was recording the sentencing via his cell phone.
Police officers removed the man from the courtroom.
Joseph was sentenced from Reading to life imprisonment. This means that he will have to serve 23 years and 86 consecutive days in prison before being eligible for parole.
Weatherburn was also sentenced from Reading and must serve the remaining time to be eligible for parole.