Man guilty of murdering ex-pub doorman in Essex

A man has been convicted of murdering a former doorman outside a pub in Essex.

Father-of-two Matt Portwood, 42, was stabbed twice in the neck after an argument at the Haystack Pub in Furtherwick Road in Canvey Island on 4 February.

Jamie Lewis, 24, of Bensham Lane, Croydon, south London, was found guilty after a trial at Basildon Crown Court.

However, Keiron Aransibia, 28, of Evelyn Dennington Road, Newham, east London, was found not guilty of murder.

In a statement released shortly after his death, Mr Portwood’s family said: “Matt was a well known and loved member of the community in Canvey.

“Matt will be truly missed by his family, friends and all that knew him. He will forever be in our hearts.”

Prosecutors told the court a group argued with a pub bouncer at 01:00 GMT after being denied entry, and Mr Portwood – who previously worked as a doorman at the venue and was there as a customer – tried to defuse the situation.

Jurors were told Lewis “struck the fatal blow to the neck” and Mr Portwood was found by emergency services in the nearby Iceland car park.

Lewis was found guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Mr Aransibia was found not guilty of murder by jurors.

Charges against Mr Aransibia’s uncle, Keith Aransibia, 59, of no fixed abode, were dropped during the trial.

Sentencing is expected at the same court at a later date.

In the statement issued in February, the family said: “He was a devoted and caring father to his children, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his children.

“Matt had a love for music, in particular his bass guitar. He also had a love for football, supporting local teams.

“He was a talented drawer, a talent that he would explore with his children.”

Source – BBC