A TEENAGER has been cleared of murder after stabbing an 18-year-old to death in Bournemouth.

Thomas Betteridge, 18, was found guilty of manslaughter but not guilty of murder following Cameron Hamilton’s death.

Betteridge killed Mr Hamilton after a fight broke out in the town centre last summer. 

Defence barristers said Betteridge was chased through the Square by Mr Hamilton and then stabbed him three times in self-defence.

Betteridge then ditched the knife and fled to the Lower Gardens with his friend Lennie Hansen.

Hansen, also 18, was accused of then swapping shoes with Betteridge to help him avoid police detection.

The pair were both arrested in the gardens a short while later.

The arrest was captured on police body worn cameras, and Betteridge posted an Instagram video of the moment he was first approached by police.

Betteridge and Hansen have been facing trial at Bournemouth Crown Court for the past four weeks.

The jury was sent out to begin their deliberations at midday on Monday, February 26.

On Friday, March 1, and after 23 hours and 41 minutes of discussions, they returned with their verdict.

Betteridge, of Southsea, was found guilty of manslaughter by a majority verdict and guilty of possession of a bladed article by a unanimous verdict.

Hansen, of Waterlooville, was found not guilty of assisting an offender.

He had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a bladed article, which related to him bringing the knife that Betteridge used to Bournemouth on the day of the fatal stabbing.

Dorset Police has now released a custody image of Betteridge.

Detective chief inspector Neil Third, of MCIT, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Cameron Hamilton and nothing will ever make up for the devastating loss they have endured as a result of what took place in the early hours of Saturday, August 5.

"I want to thank them sincerely for the dignified way they have conducted themselves throughout the investigation and court process.

“We have worked tirelessly to do all we can to secure justice for Cameron’s loved ones and I want to thank all those involved, from the officers who responded immediately on the night to the investigation team and everyone else across the Force who provided support and helped secure evidence.

"I also want to thank the Crown Prosecution Service for their assistance in bringing this case to court.

“Cameron’s tragic death at the hands of Thomas Betteridge is the starkest of reminders of the horrific consequences that can result from taking a knife out onto the streets and we will continue to work with our partners and communities to raise awareness and take action on knife crime.”