"WE have never given up trying to get justice for Dwayne's family" – those are the words of the Essex detective who led the investigation into the death of Dwayne Forrester after his killers were convicted today (Wednesday, 12 October). 

Jeffrey Goodwin, 26, and 25 year-old Hayden Line today admitted to the manslaughter of Dwayne, more than four years after he was killed.

Dwayne, who was 21 at the time, was found injured in Little Garth, Pitsea, at about 8.40pm on Saturday, 7 July 2018.

He was taken to hospital but died there at around 10pm. A post-mortem examination found he had sustained a single stab wound to the heart.

Line, of Esmond Close, Rainham, and Goodwin, of Russell Road, Canning Town, were both arrested in January 2019.

They initially denied murder and manslaughter but both admitted manslaughter during a hearing today at Basildon Crown Court. 

They will be sentenced at the same court in the near future. 

Senior investigating officer Julie Gowen, who has led the investigation, said: "Today, my thoughts and those of my team, are with Dwayne's family who have waited more than four years for justice.

"Dwayne Forrester's death has had a huge impact on his friends and family and no court result will ever bring him back.

"They have shown incredible courage throughout the lengthy investigation and trial, and I want to thank them for their support to my team and praise them for their bravery.

"We have never given up trying to get justice for them. We have left no stone unturned, no avenue unexplored and today's conviction is the culmination of that work.

"No result will ever bring Dwayne back, but I hope this result, and the prospect of significant sentences for Jeffrey Goodwin and Hayden Line, will give his family some peace and help them move forward."