Wolverhampton man jailed for life for murder of woman in South Staffordshire
Clive O'Connor had been convicted of murder
Last updated 7th Jul 2023
A man has been jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years for the murder of a woman in South Staffordshire.
Clive O’Connor, 58, of Bilston, Wolverhampton, was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent court today (Friday 7 July) after he was found guilty of the murder of 52-year-old Jomaa Jerarre yesterday.
Jomaa’s body was found in a layby on the A454 Bridgnorth Road, close to Perton, just before 2.30am on 9 August 2021. Her body was badly burnt and it was quickly established that an accelerant had been used.
Clive O’Connor was identified as one of the last people to see Jomaa alive and he was arrested on 13 August 2021 on suspicion of murder.
In a statement, O’Connor told detectives he last saw Jomaa alive in mid-July 2021.
However, CCTV footage showed him purchasing items using Jomaa’s debit card at various shops in Bilston up until 31 July.
Jomaa and O’Connor were friends and evidence showed she was living at his flat in Bilston prior to her death.
Evidence suggests that Jomaa died between 3 and 4 August.
Although a cause of death could not be determined due to decomposition and damage caused by the fire, there was no evidence that the cause of death was natural or toxicological.
The post mortem found that she had had received two forceful neck compressions causing fractures.
The most recent was five to ten days before she died.
Chief Inspector Dan Ison, who led the investigation into Jomaa’s death, said:
“My thoughts remain with Jomaa’s family and friends.
“O’Connor will now face the consequences of his ruthless and sinister actions with at least 25 years in prison.
"I would like to acknowledge the professional and thorough work of my colleagues in bringing about the early arrest in the case and for their dedication in bringing the investigation to this conclusion."