The family of Lavern Ritch say his killing in New Jersey in 2007 has left them ‘in constant pain’ The brother of a Welsh tourist fatally stabbed on an American street says the killer should “willingly” go to jail for the rest of his life “to atone”.
Anthony Ritch was giving a victim impact statement to a New Jersey court, where Robert Davies faces sentencing for the death of Lavern Ritch in 2007.
Robert Davies has been convicted of the reckless manslaughter of Mr Ritch, 37, of Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan.
Prosecutors want a recommended jail term doubled from 10 to 20 years.
William Merz, prosecuting, said Davies was “dangerous with a capital D”.
The trial heard that he stabbed Mr Ritch through the heart in the the summer resort town of Margate, New Jersey, where the tourist was visiting with friends from Atlantic City.
Mr Ritch, who was once a contestant on the British version of the Gladiators TV show, had been trying to help Davies, the court heard.
Mr Ritch, who worked as a personal fitness instructor and swimming coach at a Cardiff sports centre, joined in a chase through the streets.
The chase began after Davies had been punched in the face moments earlier and left bleeding after insulting a Mexican man.
Davies had claimed he has acted in self-defence, wrongly believing his victim was a member of the group chasing him.
Mr Ritch’s family said the verdict of the February trial – when Davies was acquitted of murder and aggravated manslaughter – had left them feeling Davies had “got off”.
In addition to being found guilty of reckless manslaughter, Davies was also found guilty of weapons offences.
In his statement to the court on Thursday, Anthony Ritch said the family was in constant pain as result of his brother’s killing, and wanted the longest possible sentence for Davies.
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