Story perspectives

England Courts Sentence Axe Killer, Bar Assault Suspect, Infant Murderer

5/29/2026

Center

England Courts Murder

England courts reported three high-profile murder cases this week, involving an axe killing, a bar assault, and an infant death.
Donald Excell received a life sentence, Billy Allison was charged and remanded, Emma Barnett was convicted, awaiting June sentencing.
The axe attack occurred in Bexhill, Sussex, when Excell struck cousin Rita Lambourne on 12 February 2025.
Barnett hid with 14-month-old son Oakley in a loft, gave medication causing his death, intentional.

Left

Billy Allison Arrested

Billy Allison, founder of the Raise the Colours campaign that organized nationwide flag-raising displays, was arrested after a bar fight.
The charges include murder and Section 18 grievous bodily harm intent for death of Matthew O’Gara in Lichfield, England.
Staffordshire police reported the arrest occurred shortly after 5 am on 26 May.
Raise the Colours previously organized volunteers to cable-tie St George’s and Union flags to lampposts nationwide.

Blindspot

Center coverage included the detail that Allison’s assault left a second victim hospitalized, while Left coverage gave less weight to that consequence.
Center coverage identified the specific venue, the Ricco and Loren bar in Lichfield, which Left coverage did not specify.

1 of 3

England Courts Murder

England courts reported three high-profile murder cases this week, involving an axe killing, a bar assault, and an infant death.
Donald Excell received a life sentence, Billy Allison was charged and remanded, Emma Barnett was convicted, awaiting June sentencing.
The axe attack occurred in Bexhill, Sussex, when Excell struck cousin Rita Lambourne on 12 February 2025.
Barnett hid with 14-month-old son Oakley in a loft, gave medication causing his death, intentional.

1 / 3