Tributes have been paid to Tobias Bruce whose murderers were today given a life sentence. 

Ryan Byrne, 35, of Hathaway Green Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, and George Stephens, aged 28, of no fixed abode, were sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on October 24. 

Bryne was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years and 162 days before parole. For causing grievous bodily harm, he was jailed for six years to run concurrently. 

Stephens was jailed for a minimum of 22 and a half years before parole. For count two he was jailed for seven and a half years and a total of eight years for possessing cannabis and cocaine earlier this year. These will run concurrently. 

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Stuart May, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “Firstly, I would like to extend my sympathies to the families of Tobias Bruce and his friend who was injured on February 25.

READ MORE: Two murderers jailed for life at Oxford Crown Court

“They have been patient and dignified as this investigation and court process has progressed, and no family should have to go through this pain.

“This was a complex investigation, and through diligent investigative work, we were able to identify the men involved in the murder of Tobias Bruce and who will now spend a significant time behind bars.

“We are continuing our investigation to locate a third man, Theodore Mullings-Fairweather who remains outstanding in connection with this investigation. We are steadfast in our efforts to secure his return to put him before the courts.

“The ripples of serious violence and knife crime are far reaching, it affects the victims, their families, and our communities.

“Violence destroys lives and we will always work with communities and partners to bring offenders to justice and keep society safe.

“We are resolute in our determination to make our communities safer by removing knives from our streets.

“My message to the community is if you have any information about anybody who is carrying a knife, please report this to us, either on 101 or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Following a trial at Oxford Crown Court, lasting two and a half weeks, Bryne and Stevens were both convicted on Wednesday, October 16 of one count each of murder and section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent.

On 25 February this year, Stephens, Byrne and Theodore Mullings-Fairweather travelled from Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon to Oxford to meet with Tobias Bruce who was with two friends, to sell a Cartier watch and some jewellery.

The group met near to College Lane. The meeting was cordial at first as the watch and jewellery were produced. However, following inspection of the items, Mr Bruce made off, intent on stealing them.

Mr Bruce was pursued and catastrophically injured. He suffered five stab wounds, to the right side of his neck, cheek and right shoulder.

Mr Bruce’s friends were also pursued and one of them was stabbed to the side.

The knives that caused the injuries to Mr Bruce and his friend were never recovered.
Mr Bruce was taken to hospital, where he sadly succumbed to his injuries and passed away on Wednesday, February 28.

A Home Office post-mortem confirmed that the cause of Mr Bruce’s death was multiple sharp force injuries.

On April 2, Byrne boarded a ferry to the Netherlands; however, he was refused entry at the border and travelled back to the UK the following day. Byrne was arrested on April 4 and was charged on April 8.

Stephens, who at this time was serving time in prison for an unrelated offence, was arrested on April 11 and was charged the following day.