Oldham man jailed for murdering a man for his Xbox
Michael Pickering will serve a minimum of 36 years in prison.
Last updated 1st Feb 2018
An Oldham man who repeatedly stabbed and killed a man - for his Xbox - has been jailed.
31 year old Michael Pickering of Coverham Avenue will serve a minimum of 36 years behind bars - after being found guilty of murdering Jonathan Herd last summer.
Manchester Crown Court heard how in the early hours of Sunday 30 July 2017, Pickering entered Jonathan’s flat on Lees New Road, Oldham armed with a knife.
He approached Jonathan and demanded that he hand over personal property.
Pickering then proceeded to stab and beat him repeatedly before grabbing several items - including an X-Box - from the flat.
He then fled to another flat after leaving Jonathan lying dead in his home.
On Monday 31 July 2017, Pickering used Jonathan’s mobile phone to order a taxi which drove him to a pawnbrokers in Oldham.
He tried to sell the stolen items but the shop refused.
Police caught up with Pickering later that day and arrested him.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Wilkinson from GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “This was a horrific attack on an innocent man whose life was taken away from him for the sake of an X-Box and a few DVDs.
“Jonathan’s family came to visit him the following day and walked in to find their loved one lay dead on the floor after being brutally murdered. No one should ever have to see that.
“Sadly there is nothing we can do to bring Jonathan back, but I hope today’s result goes some way to helping his loved ones grieve and come to terms with their loss.
“Justice has been served today and Pickering is exactly where he deserves to be – behind bars where he will have plenty of time to think about what he did.”