Ryan Burton’s killers handed a life sentence

Two men have today (Monday, December 22) been sentenced at Northampton Crown Court to life for the murder of Ryan Burton.

Keiton Underwood, 20, of Bridge Street, Desborough, and Ace Hill, 19, of Minden Close, Corby, dramatically changed their pleas and admitted murdering 34-year-old Ryan during an eight-week trial last month.

Today they were sentenced to life imprisonment and Underwood must serve a minimum of 24 years and Hill 21 years, before they’re eligible for parole. After release, they will remain on licence for the rest of their lives.

Ryan was seriously assaulted earlier this year in Spring Rise Park on Kettering’s Highfield Estate shortly before 7pm on Friday, January 10. He sadly died at University Hospital Coventry six days later.

Underwood and Hill stood trial with four other defendants.

• Cameron Williams-Ferguson, aged 24, of High Street, Kettering, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment

• Kyle Derek McSkimming, aged 23, of Pen Green Lane, Corby, pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to seven years and 10 months imprisonment

• Connor White, aged 25, of Spencer Street, Rothwell, pleaded guilty to a separate robbery that he committed along with Underwood. He was sentenced to 43 months

• A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon. He was given a six-month youth referral order.

Detective Superintendent Johnny Campbell oversaw the investigation into Ryan’s murder.

He spoke outside Northampton Crown Court following today's sentencing hearing:

Northamptonshire Police continues to be committed to reducing knife crime and making our county the safest place for everyone to live and work.

As part of this commitment, and with the support of its partners, the Force aims to encourage young people to make positive choices and prevent someone else from losing their life.

Anyone who would like any support and information about knife crime can visit our website or if you’d like to speak to someone, please call 101.

Mother of Ryan Burton says his killers were “like a pack of hounds”. Read more here.