THE family of a man who died after being stabbed at a house party earlier this year have paid a touching tribute to the father of two.

Jordan Kelly Flattery, 19, of West Close, Hitchin, was today (Friday) sentenced to 10 years in a young offenders institute, after being found guilty of manslaughter last month.

Mr Snowden’s family issued a statement following the sentencing.

It said: “Our world ended in the early hours of January 8 this year when our beloved Graham had his life cruelly taken from him. Today the court has sentenced Jordan Flattery to 10 years in custody after he was found guilty of the manslaughter of Graham, but it is us, Graham’s family, who continue to serve a life sentence, as no sentence passed today can ever bring him back.

“Graham was a fighter, he survived a horrific car accident eight years ago which sadly took the life of his friend and colleague, and left Graham fighting for his own. He sustained life changing injuries in the collision which left him with limited sight and mobility problems. He fought for an hour to stay alive the night he suffered that fatal stab wound inflicted on him by Jordan Flattery and we know he did not want to leave this world as he had so much to live for.

“Graham was a kind and dedicated family man, he would do anything for anyone, even though sometimes it could be a struggle, he never complained about anything and always saw the bright side of life. He lived for his family, especially his little girls and leaves behind his two beautiful daughters Elise, 14, and Alana, eight. He also leaves behind his brother Gary and, his Dad and his Nan, Cynth.

“He has been robbed of the chance of seeing them continue to grow into the beautiful young women they are. He also leaves behind his Mum Judy, Faye, the mother of his children and his step-father Bill and hundreds of friends, with over three hundred attending is funeral.”

The statement continues: “Graham was the life and soul of a party he was always cracking jokes and had a wicked sense of humour. He loved the company of other people and did not like being on his own, he had many friends and was very popular because of his bubbly personality. A home which was once filled with his laughter is now shrouded with a deafening silence.

“We miss him more with each day that passes and although a sentence has been passed today we will live with the legacy of the actions of Jordan Flattery, and will never have an answer as to why Graham had his life so cruelly taken from him.

“We would like to add our heartfelt thanks to all the members of Hertfordshire Constabulary who have acted with such professionalism and we would like to thank them for all of their hard work and kindness and support to us throughout this process.”

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