Two convicted in murder robbery plot

Two men who plotted to rob the runner of a rival drug gang before stabbing him, have been found guilty of murder and manslaughter.

Peter Janoski, 44, and Dylan Myrie, 21, were today (Friday) found guilty of their roles in the fatal stabbing of Dean Fountaine in June 2023.

Emergency services were called to reports of a stabbing in Ashton Road, Luton, on 19 June.

Mr Fountaine, from Leighton Buzzard, was located in a critical condition having been stabbed multiple times. The 37-year-old was transported to hospital where he died the following day.

During a nine-week trial at Luton Crown Court, the jury heard how Janoski and Myrie, who was 19 at the time and a senior figure of a drug line, had conspired to rob Mr Fountaine, who had been running drugs for a rival gang.

Luring their victim to the area, Janoski instructed a friend to call Mr Fountaine under the guise of wanting to purchase drugs.

At around 10pm, Mr Fountaine arrived in Ashton Road, where he was met by Janoski.

Minutes later, Myrie appeared from behind parked cars wearing a balaclava and an altercation ensued before Mr Fountaine was stabbed twice.

The court heard how Myrie fled the scene while Janoski remained with Mr Fountaine until police arrival, claiming to have witnessed ‘his best friend’ being stabbed by an unknown man. He then left the area.

Returning to the location a short while later, Janoski was identified by a witness as being involved in the incident and was arrested.

Enquiries led detectives to declare Myrie a second suspect, and he was arrested on suspicion of murder five days later.

Appearing at Luton Crown Court, Janoski, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Janoski was also charged with intimidation. The jury found him not guilty.

Myrie, of Hallwicks Road, Luton, was found guilty of manslaughter and possession of an imitation firearm, which officers located in the vehicle he was travelling in when he was arrested. He was found not guilty of murder.

Myrie pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery at the start of the trial.

Both men will be sentenced at the same court on 20 June.

Speaking after the verdict, Mr Fountaine’s mother said: “After nine long weeks, the men responsible for killing our beloved son and big brother to Ashley, Benjamin and Daniel, have been found guilty of their actions. While we are relieved that justice has been served, it has no bearing on the unimaginable pain we feel having lost our kind and gentle Dean in such a senseless and brutal way.

“I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to the police, our prosecution team, family liaison officers and victim support services, for their unwavering practical and emotional support throughout this horrendously difficult process.”

Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Dean’s family. While there is little we can do to ease the grief of losing someone in such a violent way, we are pleased to have secured justice for all those who knew and loved Dean.

“I would like to commend the investigation team in what has been an extremely complex case. Their commitment to justice, coupled with the support of the CPS and prosecution team, has ensured today’s verdict.

“Too often we see how the illicit drugs trade is fuelling violence and exploitation in our county. The prevention of devastating incidents like these can only be achieved with the support of our community. Bedfordshire Police’s commitment to tackling drug dealing remains the same, but we rely on intelligence from local residents to inform us on when and where to strike next.”

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