CPS News Brief

James Wheatley sentenced to life in prison for murdering vulnerable man

A Newcastle man who imprisoned and tortured to death a vulnerable man over nine days has been sentenced to life imprisonment at Newcastle Crown Court today, with three others also sentenced for charges relating to his death.

James Michael Wheatley (29) was found guilty by a jury of the murder of Lee Irving (24), a man with learning difficulties who had believed he was a close friend. Wheatley had previously pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Barry Imray (35) had previously pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and a further charge of pervert the course of justice. He was found guilty by jury of a further charge of causing/allowing the death of a vulnerable person.

Wheatley’s mother, Julie Mills (52) and his then girlfriend Nicole Lawrence (22) were also found guilty of charges of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and causing/allowing the death of a vulnerable person. All four defendants were living in the same house in Kenton, at the time of Lee Irving’s death.

Gerry Wareham, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North East, said:

“James Wheatley exploited the friendship of Lee Irving in the worst way imaginable. Lee only wanted friendship but, instead, became the target of Wheatley’s aggression.

“After the attacks on Lee Irving, the defendants made every effort to hide what they had done; sedating and imprisoning him in their home, moving his body after death and removing key evidence.

“Even those defendants not directly involved in the attacks would have recognised that the extent of his injuries required immediate medical attention. Not one of them tried to assist Lee or to prevent further injury to him.

“This has been a complex case, in which the defendants’ crude attempts to hamper the police investigation have been systematically dismantled and laid bare by police and prosecutors. I would hope that these convictions provide some comfort to the family and friends of Lee Irving, at what must be an incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with them.”

Notes

James Michael Wheatley was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 23 years. 

Barry Imray was sentenced to three years in prison. 

Julie Mills was sentenced to eight years in prison.

Nicole Lawrence was sentenced to four years in prison.

Death of Arkadiusz Jozwik in Harlow

Paul Scothern, Crown Advocate in the Complex Casework Unit for CPS East of England said:

“We have today advised Essex Police to charge a 15-year-old youth from Harlow with the manslaughter of Arkadiusz Jozwik, aged 40. This is following an incident at The Stow, Harlow, on 27 August 2016.

“The decision was taken in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

“The youth will appear at Chelmsford Youth Court on 6 January 2017.

“Following early investigative advice from the reviewing lawyer, the police decided to take no further action in relation to five other youths who were at the scene.

“May I remind all concerned that this youth has a right to a fair trial. It is very important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings. For these reasons, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.”

Statement: Barry Bennell

A CPS spokesperson said:

“On 27 September 2016, the Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from Cheshire Police relating to allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse involving a former football coach, Barry Bennell.

“Following a review of the evidence, in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, Mr Bennell, 62, has today been charged with eight offences of sexual assault against a boy under the age of 14.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Bennell will now begin and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Background:

The charges are:

1.    Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years 

2.    Incite a boy under fourteen years of age to commit an act of gross indecency 

3.    Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years 

4.    Incite a boy under fourteen years of age to commit an act of gross indecency 

5.    Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years 

6.    Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years 

7.    Indecent assault on boy under the age of 14 years 

8.    Assault with intent to commit buggery