A 24-year-old British boxer has been found guilty of murdering a Spanish teenager during a minor road rage incident on the Costa del Sol in 2020. Lewis Briggs was convicted of fatally stabbing 19-year-old Ulrich Perez after a confrontation escalated dramatically. In a court hearing on Tuesday, Briggs showed visible remorse as he learned that he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years.
The court revealed that the confrontation occurred when Ulrich was returning home after running an errand for his mother. Witnesses stated that Briggs, upset over Ulrich’s remarks about his reckless driving, exited his Mercedes armed with a knife. The attack was described as sudden and unprovoked, with the jury determining that Ulrich was unable to defend himself. He was kicked and then stabbed in the heart within a mere ten seconds.
During the trial, the jury noted that Briggs had attempted to evade justice by changing the number plates on his rented vehicle after the crime. The evidence against him included CCTV footage of the incident, which played a crucial role in the jury’s decision. They found Briggs guilty by an 8-1 majority, dismissing his claims of an accidental stabbing. Instead, they concluded that the attack was both deliberate and brutal.
Briggs had previously claimed that he never intended to kill Ulrich, stating in court that he had been under the influence of alcohol and cocaine during the incident. However, the jury was unconvinced by his defense. The prosecution, led by public prosecutor Pablo Ibanez, is seeking a lengthy prison term, advocating for 22 years for murder along with an additional two years for fraudulent actions related to the stolen number plates.
The emotional toll of the case was evident as Ulrich’s family attended the trial, with his mother describing the moment she learned of her son’s tragic fate. Ulrich’s father expressed relief at the guilty verdict, emphasizing the need for justice. As Briggs awaits sentencing, he also faces potential civil penalties, including a compensation claim from Ulrich’s family. The case has drawn considerable media attention, reflecting on the severe consequences of impulsive violence and the profound impact it can have on families and communities.