17 year jail sentence handed down for Southampton murder
Ian Jupe died in May - 35 year old Tom Ellison has been sentenced
A man's been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for the murder of Ian Jupe in Southampton.
35 year old Tom Alexander Ellison, of Mountain Ash Close, has appeared before Southampton Crown Court today (Thursday 21st November) to hear his sentence.
He was found guilty of 58 year old Ian's murder by a jury yesterday (Wednesday 20th November).
Ellison denied intentionally killing Ian, who was found deceased in his home on Mountain Ash Close on Tuesday 28th May 2024, however did admit that he had intended to cause him harm.
What happened?
The court heard how Ian was last seen alive on the evening the night before the incident, and was found dead inside his flat by a friend on the Tuesday morning.
Police were called to the scene and deemed the circumstances of Ian’s death to be suspicious, launching a murder investigation.
A Home Office Post Mortem found that Ian had died as a result of compression to the neck, and following police enquiries Ellison was arrested on suspicion of his murder.
Ellison had entered Ian’s flat shortly before 7.20am and murdered him before stealing his Post Office card, which he used a short time later to withdraw £480.10.
He then returned to Ian’s flat and made calls to his phone in an attempt to cover up what he had done.
At today's hearing, Ellison was sentenced to a total of 17 years and 194 days in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Gillooly, Senior Investigating Officer for the case, said:
“We are pleased with the jury's verdict and today's sentence, and would like to thank all those involved in this investigation, who have worked tirelessly to hold the person responsible for Ian’s death accountable for his actions. We believe that the guilty verdict and sentence today reflects this.
“I hope that today’s result brings some level of closure to Ian’s family, as they now know that the person responsible for his death has been brought to justice. Our thoughts remain with Ian’s friends, family and all those that knew him today.”
Ian’s sister said: “I miss my brother so much. He was taken away from me and my family through this tragic incident that happened. I was asked to look after him on my mum’s death bed and unfortunately that didn’t happen.”
Gavin Sumpter, a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said:
“Tom Ellison murdered Ian Jupe in a despicable act of violence. I would like to pay tribute to the strength of Mr Jupe’s family throughout these proceedings and I hope the outcome of this case brings some measure of comfort to them.
“Working with our criminal justice partners, the CPS is committed to ensuring that those who exploit and harm the most vulnerable members of our communities are held accountable for their actions.”