A documentary into the killing of Yousef Makki, and the trial and inquest that followed, aired on Channel 4 last night – and viewers have been sharing their reactions.
17-year-old Manchester Grammar School pupil Yousef Makki was tragically stabbed to death in the heart by his friend Joshua Molnar with a flick knife – which a coroner said was purchased online with ease “during break time at school” – during a row they had in the affluent Hale Barns area of Trafford on the evening of 2 March 2019.
Makki was from a single-parent Anglo-Lebanese family from Burnage, and had won a bursary to attend Manchester Grammar School.
Molnar, who is from a wealthy family in Hale, later admitted stabbing Makki.
The then 17-year-old Molnar claimed self-defence and was cleared by a jury at Manchester Crown Court of murder and manslaughter, with the coroner’s narrative conclusion also ruling out both unlawful killing and accidental death.
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He was jailed for 16 months for the possession of a knife in a public place and perverting the course of justice by lying to police at the scene.
At the end of the inquest, the coroner said that there was “nothing impressive about the possession of a knife”, and that “work needs to be done in relation to the education of young people on the risks that can arise and on the all too tragic consequences of the possession of a knife.”
Yousef Makki, 17, was stabbed to death in Hale Barns on 2 March 2019 / Credit: Greater Manchester Police
Now, a new documentary has taken a closer look at harrowing events as they unfolded.
The 90-minute documentary, Killed by a Rich Kid, aired on Channel 4 last night and followed the Makki family throughout as they search for answers and pursue the inquest.
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Not only did the documentary aim to take a “forensic look at the killing and subsequent trial” of Molnar, but it also featured recordings of 999 calls, CCTV and crime scene photos, interviews with witnesses from the scene, friends, family, journalists, the police and Crown Prosecution Service, and most-notably, showed never-before-seen or released police bodycam footage of Molnar right after the stabbing occurred.
The documentary also featured powerful testimony from those closest to Makki, as well as key people involved in the criminal trial, all with the aim of piecing together the evidence presented by those who sought justice.
Following the airing of the documentary, viewers have taken to social media in droves to share their reactions, support the Makki family, express feelings of anger, sadness, and despair towards the system, and crucially point-out and question injustices in relation to race, class, wealth, and other subjects touched upon throughout the programme.
#KilledByARIchkid absolutely devastating poor poor mother and whole family and I have such admiration for Yousefs 2 real friends that gave evidence and are helping his family such strong young men.. What a case this awful 💔😭
One viewer wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely devastating, poor poor mother and whole family, and I have such admiration for Yousef’s 2 real friends that gave evidence and are helping his family such strong young men – what an awful case.”
“Another case that is a huge miscarriage of justice. If Josh Molnar was Black, Asian, working class etc, he would still be in prison for murder. Luckily for him, he’s white and rich. F***ed up system. An absolute disgrace,” another angered viewer wrote.
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“I hate this country. I hate the people who run it. I hate the fact that money can cover up evil,” a third wrote.
Another viewer urged parents with teenage children to “sit down and watch this”.
Vile seeing the murderer lying to the police knowing that he was the person that stabbed Yousef. If you’ve got teenage children, please sit down and watch this documentary with them. Knives aren’t toys. Justice for Yousef Makki #KilledByARichKid#yousefmakki
Another viewer shared their rage on Twitter: “The nerve of the police to tell her to drop the case because she can’t afford to give her son the justice he deserves. The justice that was taken away from her. What a f***ed up system! That was her baby.”
“Unbelievable that Joshua Molnar was found not guilty. There’s so many flaws and so many things that went unchallenged,” another added.
“Unbelievable the whole thing,” they concluded.
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Shining a light on the injustices, another viewer tweeted: “Let’s be totally blunt here. If the roles had been reversed here there is no way those not guilty verdicts would have been given. Wealth, privilege and race are what gets you justice.”
The lies🙉 unbelievable that Joshua Molnar was found not guilty. There’s so many flaws and so many things that went unchallenged. Unbelievable the whole thing #killedbyarichkid
Let's be totally blunt here. If the roles had been reversed here there is no way those not guilty verdicts would have been given. Wealth, privilege and race are what gets you justice.#killedbyarichkid
Killed by a Rich Kid was produced for Channel 4 by Blakeway North, and was directed by Tom Reeves – who followed members of Makki’s family for months as they tried to come to terms with the teenager’s tragic eath, and campaign for further legal proceedings in order to find out how he died.
Speaking on the importance of the documentary, director Tom Reeves said: “Yousef’s tragic death has resonated with me ever since I first heard about it. Having grown up and spent my life not far from where his family live, I couldn’t help but feel connected to this tragic story.
“Yousef’s case raises uncomfortable questions about society and the justice system and his family have been left deeply affected by their experiences of this.
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“Whilst filming with them, I have been struck by their determination in refusing to accept that justice was served in this case and their courage in campaigning to keep Yousef’s name alive.”
You can watch a replay of Killed by a Rich Kid on the Channel 4 website here.
Featured Image – Channel 4
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Breakaway competition R360 issues statement after rubgy unions warn players of sanctions
Danny Jones
Prospective breakaway competition R360 have issued a response to the joint statement from multiple countries’ rugby unions, which has warned players of sanctions should they choose to join the new league.
While the vast majority seemingly remain opposed to the new concept, backing from certain key figures has resulted in the likes of the UK and Irish rugby unions, along with other key nations, sharing their unified stance against the potential rival.
Put in the simplest terms, the R360 model is rugby’s equivalent of what the proposed European ‘Super League’ was for football just a few years ago, with similar questions being raised around how it could jeopardise existing contests, player wellbeing and more.
Now, though, the new format – which has been largely backed and developed by former World Cup winner with England, Mike Tindall – delivered its own reply on Wednesday, 8 October.
Shared publicly to the press, the alternative tournament wrote: “It’s not always easy to embrace new opportunities, but as we’ve seen throughout history, it’s essential for any sport to grow. So many players love what R360 can do for them and the game, and we can’t wait to kick off next year.
“Player welfare is one of the key reasons for creating our global series, which will greatly reduce player load and capture the attention of a new generation of fans globally. We want to work collaboratively as part of the global rugby calendar.
“The series is designed with bespoke schedules for men’s and women’s teams and R360 will release all players for international matches, as written into their contracts. Our philosophy is clear – if players want to play for their country, they should have that opportunity. Why would the unions stand in their way?
“We look forward to submitting to the World Rugby Council for sanctioning next summer as planned.”
At present, R360 is due to hold its inagural season this time next year, with eight new male teams and four women’s sides expected to get underway from October 2026 onwards.
In addition to more lucrative contracts like those promised in the IPL (Indian Premier League) cricket, LIV Golf and the aforementioned albeit failed Super League, R360 is also set to offer a reduced playing schedule but one that would still tempt athletes away from their current teams to new franchises.
The national rugby unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy have released the following statement on the proposed R360 competition ⬇️#IrishRugby
Although they have assured player care is an utmost priority, their health and fitness is one of my concerns put forward by the total eight rubgy unions who have urged current pros to stay away from the breakaway competition.
In case you haven’t seen the statement release by England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, it begins by “urging extreme caution for players and support staff considering joining the proposed R360 competition.”
Assuring that they welcome “investment and innovation in rugby”, they feel this particular idea won’t improve the sport but could instead “fragment or weaken it.”
Having assessed the proposals supposed value/addition to the “rugby’s global ecosystem”, it seems the fear is that the outcome will be a “net negative to the game”, with little to no detail as to how it can run alongside existing fixtures, assure proper management of player welfare and more.
As for Wales, despite opting not to put their name to the open letter itself, they have stated publicly: “The Welsh Rugby Union supports this statement, and we’re considering changes we may need to make to qualification rules in Wales as part of ongoing analysis following our recent consultation process.”
The statement continues: “The R360 model, as outlined publicly, rather appears designed to generate profits and return them to a very small elite, potentially hollowing out the investment that national unions and existing leagues make in community rugby, player development, and participation pathways.”
It seems there is deep concern for how it could affect grassroots and the international rugby too, not just league and union, and have failed to full explain or help key organisations “better understand their business and operating model.”
Most notably, they sign off by adding: “Each of the national unions will therefore be advising men’s and women’s players that participation in R360 would make them ineligible for international selection.”
What do you make of the whole debate – do you like the current schedule/format as it is, or do you think there’s room for a new chapter in the rugby world?
New CGIs released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre
Emily Sergeant
Some new CGIs have given us a sneak peak inside Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel soon to open in Wigan town centre.
In case this is the first you’re hearing of the development, Wigan Council announced back in March 2024 in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart that it had signed a franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, for a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, just off Market Street.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved in July 2023.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called ‘one of the most important elements’ of the Galleries masterplan.
New CGIs have been released of Hilton’s fancy 144-bedroom hotel in Wigan town centre / Credit: Supplied
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, meeting and conference rooms, and secure parking will be available for guests.
Dozens of staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
Once complete, the hotel will form part of the exciting new town centre neighbourhood providing a new Market Hall and food court, more than 400 homes, bars, restaurants, and leisure uses, all designed to celebrate Wigan’s proud heritage and unique identity.
The new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment / Credit: Supplied
“It’s great to see the progress of this exciting Hampton by Hilton development, which not only plays a role in Wigan’s regeneration, but continues to strengthen our footprint in the North West,” commented Paul Blackmore, who is the Vice President of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, as the CGIs were released this week.
“The ambition shown by Wigan Council and Cityheart to create a dynamic new hub for retail, leisure, business and living truly resonated with us, and we look forward to welcoming guests when the hotel opens in late 2027.”
Emily Sergeant -
22nd March 2022 
