Lee Cooper found guilty in the pub murder of David James Stevenson in London, U.K

A man was found guilty yesterday (14 June) of the murder of David Stevenson on Sunday 9 August 2009 in Sutton.

David James Stevenson, 28 of Bramblewood Close in Carshalton was stabbed by Lee Cooper, 25 in the rear garden area of the New Inn pub, Myrtle Road, following a fight.

Police were called to the New Inn pub at 19.22hrs on 9 August following reports of a fight at the location. Approx 40 people were in the rear garden at the time, including young children.

The fight had moved out into the alley at the back of the pub where David Stevenson lay after he was stabbed. London ambulance service attended at 19.40hrs and took David to St Helier hospital where he later died of his injuries.

Lee Cooper presented himself to Sutton police station later the same day and was arrested on suspicion of murder. Detectives soon established that Lee had attended the pub with the intention of threatening David Stevenson. Earlier in the evening Lee had been on the phone arguing with the mother of his two children who was now in a relationship with David Stevenson.

Lee arrived at the pub, armed with two knives and entered the rear garden where a fight began. This spilled out into the alleyway where David was stabbed.

Lee then managed to run away and flag a friend’s car down, quickly leaving the scene. He admitted to police that he was under the influence of drugs and drink, stating throughout the trial that he had no memory of stabbing David Stevenson but that he remembered arguing with the mother of his children and his next memory was standing over David Stevenson’s body in the alley.

Detective Inspector David Reid, from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command said: "This was an extremely sad case, where an innocent man lost his life because Lee Cooper lost control of himself and his temper. The suspect went to the pub with every intention of threatening others and the situation easily got out of control. Today’s verdict may bring some relief to the family of David Stevenson who have tragically lost a loved one."

Lee Cooper, unemployed, of Typhoon Way, Roundshaw, Wallington was today (14 June) found guilty of the murder of David Stevenson.

He was remanded in custody pending sentencing at 10.15hrs on Tuesday 15 June.

Anthony Cooper (Lee’s Father), 57, was aquitted of all charges.

+ A third man who had been arrested in the inquiry had been released with no further action.