Antony Snook, a 45-year-old man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 38 years for his role in the tragic murders of two teenagers, Max Dixon, 16, and Mason Rist, 15.

This horrifying incident unfolded in the Bristol suburb of Knowle West on January 27, stemming from a mistaken identity during a vengeful attack.

Snook, serving as the getaway driver, played a key role in aiding a group of armed assailants, including Riley Tolliver, 18, and three other teenagers aged 15, 16, and 17.

The two victims, best friends since childhood, were savagely attacked moments after stepping out to buy pizza.

The Night of the Attack

Max and Mason left Mason’s home at 11:13 PM and were soon “hunted down” by the group.

Armed with machetes and a baseball bat, the assailants chased the boys, brutally attacking them in an assault captured by a nearby CCTV camera.

The attack, lasting just 33 seconds, inflicted fatal stab wounds on both boys, who later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.

Snook, driving an Audi Q2, transported the attackers to and from the scene.

In an attempt to erase evidence, the group later burned their clothing.

Despite this, CCTV footage and evidence led to their arrest and subsequent convictions.

The Court’s Condemnation

During sentencing at Bristol Crown Court, Mrs. Justice May labeled Snook’s actions as “weak and cowardly.”

She emphasized that, as the only adult in the group, Snook had numerous opportunities to prevent the tragic events.

Instead, he chose to enable the teenagers, who were armed with deadly weapons, driven by vengeance over a minor act of vandalism.

The judge highlighted the senselessness of the murders, stating, “Death was a matter of chance. Mason and Max were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

She expressed disbelief at Snook’s decision to involve himself in the incident, calling it “impossible to fathom.”

Families Speak Out on the Loss

The sentencing brought a wave of emotion from the families of Max and Mason, who shared heartbreaking victim impact statements.

Leanne Ekland, Max’s mother, recounted the devastating moment she learned of her son’s death.

“That night was the worst night of my life. I will never be the same again,” she said, describing the unbearable pain of cradling her son’s head in his final moments.

Nikki Knight, Mason’s mother, expressed how the murder had shattered her sense of safety, stating, “I feel frightened and will never feel safe in my own home again.”

Mason’s sister, Chloe, shared her anguish, describing the unbearable trauma of losing her brother and the haunting memories of the crime scene.

Unimaginable Loss

Both families remembered Max and Mason as kind and loving boys with their entire lives ahead of them.

Their friendship, spanning nursery, primary, and secondary school, was a source of joy for their loved ones.

As the families face the monumental task of rebuilding their lives, their grief underscores the senselessness of the violence.

Chloe Rist captured the sentiments of many, saying, “Max and Mason should have been safe. Nothing can bring them back, but their memory will forever live on in our hearts.”

What’s Next?

While Snook begins his sentence, the four teenagers involved will face sentencing on December 16, following the preparation of reports.

The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked violence and the irreparable damage it inflicts on families and communities.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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