Man jailed for killing fisherman Max Maguire in Lymington

Draven Jewell, 22, was found not guilty of murdering father-of-one Max Maguire outside the Royal British Legion in Lymington on October 22, 2021, but he was convicted of manslaughter.

The defendant, of Flushards, Lymington, pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon – a Huusk chef’s knife – and, after the trial at Winchester Crown Court, he was convicted of wounding Luke Gray and Georgia Hole.

Draven Jewell (Image: Hampshire Constabulary.)

Psychiatrist Dr Craig Forbes told the court at a sentencing hearing on April 17 that Draven Jewell’s autism means he has “difficulty understanding the emotions and perspectives of others” and a “lack of social interaction skills” – and is at risk of reoffending.

This was shown by the defendant’s description of his victims as “red in the face, like they had been told off by their dad”, he said.

The judge, Mrs Justice Cutts, sentenced Draven Jewell to 16 years in custody and four years on licence, with the term to be served in a mental health facility while treatment is ongoing.

She told the defendant: “Until you understand how your difficulties associated with your condition affect you, there is likely to remain a degree of dangerousness associated with it.”

The defendant’s brother, Garon Jewell, 20, was formally acquitted of his part in the incident after the prosecution offered no evidence during the trial.

A fight broke out after a row between two groups inside the club after one challenged Garon Jewell over his age, the trial was told.

Tensions also rose over a nitrous oxide canister that Draven Jewell had found and taken to the club but refused to sell to the other group, which contained the three victims, the court heard.

Mr Gray suffered two serious wounds to his lower back which required emergency hospital treatment and Ms Hole suffered a less serious injury to her chest.

The police cordon after the incident in High Street, Lymington

Jonathan Underhill, prosecuting, said the violence happened in less than 20 seconds and added: “There was a short burst of violence which took place in the alleyway.

“Max Maguire died within moments from a wound he received to the left side of his chest. This penetrated his lung and damaged a major artery internally and caused catastrophic and non-survivable injuries.”

Draven Jewell claimed he acted in self-defence and feared his brother being killed.

Max Maguire

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Maguire’s partner, Tamara Douglas, said the defendant “ripped the whole world apart” for her and their daughter “in one cowardly action”.

She said: “Max was there for every single moment his daughter needed him. She was so proud of her big strong daddy. Every single moment they had in the future is gone.”

She said her daughter screams for her father and told her: “I want to be an angel to be with Daddy.”

Mr Gray said in his statement he has long-term physical and mental health effects and suffers panic attacks, adding: “I am a paranoid wreck.”

Detective Chief Inspector Rod Kenny, who led the investigation, said: “Firstly, I would like to say that our thoughts remain with Max’s family, his friends and the two other people injured in this terrible tragedy.

“No sentence can ever bring Max back. Had Draven Jewell not armed himself with a knife that night then Max’s life would not have been ended prematurely and his family and loved one’s would not have to suffer the immeasurable pain his death has caused. It is a stark reminder that knives destroy lives.

"Reducing knife crime remains one of our top force priorities, and we will use all the powers at our disposal, from engagement and education to enforcement, to make our communities safer.”