A man who killed a much-loved son in a Nottingham underpass has been convicted of manslaughter.
Twenty-year-old Marley Gascoine died after suffering a single stab wound in the attack between Robin Hood Chase and Abbotsford Drive, St Ann’s, on 10 November 2025.
While his attacker, Matthew Smith, sped away on an electric bike, Marley stumbled from the underpass.
He collapsed outside an address in Abbotsford Drive and police were called at 12.50pm.
Despite the best efforts of passers-by, police and other first responders, Marley died from his injuries at the scene at 1.41pm.
A jury at Nottingham Crown Court has today found 20-year-old Smith guilty of manslaughter following a three-week trial.
He will be sentenced on 7 September 2026.
During the investigation into Marley’s death, detectives analysed hours of CCTV footage in the area.
These inquiries revealed both Smith and Marley were part of a group in the vicinity of the underpass from around 12noon on the day of the incident.
Smith left the underpass on an e-bike with a pillion passenger and returned a short time later alone.
He was observed to exchange words with Marley before moments later the victim shouted out in pain and stumbled out of the underpass.
Investigations revealed that Smith then travelled on an e-bike to a house in nearby Little John Walk.
He left the address on foot a short time later, wearing different clothes which were clearly too small for him, in an attempt to alter his appearance.
Detectives also discovered Smith and others had disposed of the weapon, a large knife, and clothing, as well as removing the distinctive handlebars on his e-bike.
Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, who led the investigation, said:
“Marley lost his life in deeply tragic and bleak circumstances after suffering a single stab wound to the chest.
“After months of falsely claiming he’d acted in self defence, Matthew Smith has now been convicted of manslaughter.
“His actions that day have not only taken Marley’s life but also ruined his own and those of many other people connected with both men.
“We see time and again how disagreements become more serious for all concerned simply because of the presence of a knife.
“The force’s work to educate young people about the dangers of carrying these weapons continues through the Sceptre campaigns and year-round work in schools and colleges.
“Our thoughts remain with Marley’s family who have behaved with great resilience and dignity throughout the court proceedings.
“The investigative team hopes this outcome in court at least allows them to begin the process of moving on from the ordeal they have been through.
“This was a very challenging investigation for all the officers who worked on it, but the whole team was determined to bring some peace to Marley’s loved ones.”
