A man has been found guilty of murdering 28-year-old Mateusz Chojnowski in a violent and sustained attack in Doncaster city centre that left the victim with devastating injuries.
Steven Ling, 38, of Park Drain, Westwoodside, was convicted of murder following a trial into the brutal killing, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 2 July 2022. The verdict follows a thorough and complex investigation led by South Yorkshire Police’s Major Incident Team.
The court heard that Mateusz was discovered by two members of the public shortly after 4am on South Parade, lying on a grass verge and covered in blood. He had sustained severe injuries to his head, chest, and abdomen. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, he was pronounced dead a short time later in hospital.
The extent of Mateusz’s injuries was so extreme that investigators were forced to use a fingerprint scanner to confirm his identity.
A post-mortem examination later confirmed that his death was caused by multiple traumatic injuries, consistent with a sustained and violent assault.
In a statement following the guilty verdict, Mateusz’s grieving family said:
“This has been a traumatic time for us all. We are devastated by the loss of Mateusz, who was taken from us in such a cruel and violent way. Nothing can bring him back, but we are thankful to the police and the justice system for holding his killer accountable.”
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Hodgman, who led the investigation, said:
“Mateusz was subjected to a horrific and senseless attack. Our team worked tirelessly to bring Steven Ling to justice, and today’s verdict reflects the strength of the evidence and the seriousness of his actions. We hope the result provides some comfort to Mateusz’s loved ones.”
Ling is expected to be sentenced in the coming days.
This tragic case has shocked the Doncaster community, highlighting the devastating consequences of violent crime and the lasting impact it leaves on families and communities.
