Man sentenced for Murder of Paul May in Westcliff
Abir Miah will spend a minimum of 18 years in jail
The family of Paul May have thanked Essex Police's detectives after a man was jailed for his murder.
The body of 46 year-old Paul was found inside an address in London Road at around 1.20pm on Sunday 13 February after the landlord of the property had gone to change the locks after a previous tenant had moved out.
He saw what he believed to be a ‘fake’ hand under a blanket but when he pulled it back, he discovered Paul’s body.
When police and paramedics arrived, they found Paul had sustained a head injury and had defensive injuries to his hands.
Forensic examinations found that Paul had suffered a frenzied attack with a weapon, with a pathologist indicating they believed a hammer, or similar, was responsible.
Through their investigation officers established Paul had been coming and going from the flat in the two days prior to his death, and may have been involved in the running or low level dealing of drugs.
Through studying this footage, and information from a neighbour, officers believe Paul and another man - Abir Miah - were alone in the flat for a 24 hour period between 5am on 12 February and 5am on 13 February.
At around 5am on 13 February, Miah left the flat, got into a taxi, and was driven to Westcliff Railway Station where he boards a train to Fenchurch Street at 5.51am.
Officers were also able to trace Miah to have then travelled to the Upton Park area.
He was arrested in the Forest Gate area of London shortly before 6pm on 15 February.
On the same day, officers attended an address in Chestnut Road in Forest Gate where they found a bag identical to one Miah had been seen on the CCTV footage carrying.
They also found a pair of trainers identical to those Miah had been seen on the CCTV wearing, claw hammer, and a kitchen knife.
Further searches turned up other clothes which were identical to those Miah had been seen wearing in the CCTV footage as he left the scene.
Forensic tests were carried out on the hammer and the clothing found and came back to show they had Paul’s blood on them.
DNA on the hammer and clothing were attributed to Miah.
The 45 year-old, of London Road, Westcliff, was charged with murder.
He denied the charge but, following a trial at Basildon Crown Court, a jury unanimously found him guilty today (Friday 7 October).
He was sentenced to life in prison and will have to serve at least 18 years before he is eligible for parole.
Following the verdict, Paul’s family said: “To receive the news of Pauls murder was, and still is shocking and unbelievable. The circumstances and the nature of this is even more inconceivable.
“It is difficult to put into words the effect this has had on everyone connected with Paul, including his children.
“In general, this horrific event has paved way for sadness, fear and mental confusion within all of us.
“We will never be able to make sense of the attack. We have not heard of any empathy, remorse, sorrow or mistakes admitted to which would provide at least an explanation of what occurred.
“Instead, we have seen clear evidence of lying and devious behaviour to try and conceal a crime.
“Even more baffling, has been the juvenile manner in which Abir Miah has attempted to conceal his crime in the face of overwhelming evidence. To deny this crime when it is so clear and obvious, and to continue to put people through the pain of a court case demonstrates the delusion he carries and is an indication of the weaknesses in his character.
“Paul had great potential and capability, much more than many people realised. A life is the most important thing we have, it is precious and we should all feel the gravity of the situation when a life is taken. We feel grateful and relieved that the murderer has been brought to justice.
“The Family wishes to thank all of the policing and prosecution team involved for their incredible effort, determination and professional approach to solving this crime, for their compassion and humility throughout.”
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe said: “Paul’s family described him as a ‘larger than life character’ and it’s them my thoughts are with today.
“Abir Miah has robbed Paul’s family of his humour, his wit, and his creativity.
“They miss him dearly and his death has been incredibly painful for them but I am glad we have secured justice for them and for Paul.
“Miah subjected Paul to an horrific, frenzied, and brutal attack.
“He now faces a life sentence and a significant amount of time behind bars.”