A British student was fatally stabbed during his visit to Amsterdam, after which he was dragged and left at the foot of some stairs, an inquest revealed.
Danny Castledine, aged 22, incurred 44 injuries close to the Singel canal in the Dutch city in June 2022, while accompanying a friend en route to a music festival in Belgium.
During the Nottingham Coroner’s Court session on Tuesday, Assistant Coroner Nathanael Hartley determined that he was unlawfully killed, with “multiple stab wounds” cited as the cause of death.
Chloe, Mr. Castledine’s sister, who attended the inquest alongside their parents, characterized her brother as “easygoing” and mentioned he simply aimed to “enjoy his life.”
“It is tragic that his life concluded in such a manner in a foreign land, as he had a passion for traveling,” she stated at the inquest.
“All he desired was to go out and have a great time. He was beloved by all, and there was not a single negative word spoken about him.
“He placed his trust in everyone and believed that others were there to enjoy themselves just like he was.”
Pic: Family Handout/PA
During the proceedings, it was revealed that a Belgian individual, dubbed Nongo B, was convicted of manslaughter in a Dutch court and received a 14-year prison sentence.
Detective Constable Gina Farrell of Nottinghamshire Police informed the hearing that Mr. Castledine became “disassociated” from his friend “after 1am”.
“Danny wandered around the city center afterward and it seems he encountered the suspect between 1:40 am and 2:12 am,” she noted.
“Danny accompanied the suspect to a location where a confrontation reportedly occurred between him and the defendant.
“This is believed to be where the assault took place, followed by him dragging Danny down the stairs to the basement flat.
“One theory put forth suggested that the defendant may have attempted to rob Danny, but there was no evidence to support this claim.”
Pic: Family Handout/PA
Mr. Hartley stated that Mr. Castledine experienced “significant blood loss” due to a stab wound to his neck, with additional stab wounds “potentially contributing to death through blood loss.”
Ms. Farrell reported that an individual was discovered with blood on his clothes identical to Mr. Castledine’s and mentioned that a retrial for the defendant could potentially occur.
Mr. Castledine’s mother previously expressed, “When Danny was alive, it annoyed me how easygoing he was, but now I reflect on it and feel grateful he lived that life because he cherished every moment.
“It was almost as if he realized he needed to fit everything into 22 years.”
