A man who stabbed and strangled a Warrington man for cash has been sentenced.
Heath Lee Jones, born 31/03/71, of Grasmere Avenue, Warrington, pleaded guilty to murdering Carl Chadwick at Liverpool Crown Court at an earlier hearing.
He also pleaded guilty to theft and has today, Monday 31 October, been sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Carl, known affectionately in the local community as 'dancing Carl' was found dead at his flat on Grasmere Avenue on Saturday 29 January 2011.
A murder appeal was immediately launched to catch his killer.
Carl was known to be a man of routine and was considered vulnerable due having learning difficulties that was aggravated when he suffered a head injury aged 17. The accident led to a degree of memory loss and made some everyday tasks more difficult.
However, Carl did live a full and independent life with support from friends and neighbours.
He was well known for keeping large amounts of cash at home.
Carl was last seen on Tuesday 18 January 2011 when he left the Greenwood Public House. He was killed that same evening.
After going about his usual routine, he left the Greenwood Pub at 8.23pm carrying his two shopping bags. CCTV from the pub shows him leaving the public house and then walking across the car park towards his home address on Grasmere Avenue.
Carl was not seen alive again following this sighting.
On Saturday 29 January, Carl was found dead at his flat by two neighbours who were concerned they had not seen him for 10 days.
When Carl failed to answer them knocking at his door, they tried the door handle and found that the door was unlocked.
Carl was found slumped on a seat in the living room and the police were called.
Inquiries by the major investigation team led to the arrest of Jones on 2 March 2011. He denied being responsible for Carl's death and was subsequently bailed, however he was arrested again nine days later following further forensic evidence.
On this occasion Jones admitted murdering Carl and stealing his wallet and cash.
Jones identified to officers the locations whereby he disposed of the wallet and the knife that he used to stab Carl.
Jones was charged with the murder of Carl.
Detective Inspector Nigel Wenham led the investigation, he said: "Carl's death deeply shocked the community, everyone we spoke to found it hard to believe that someone would harm him.
"Jones was jealous of the fact Carl had more money than him and his bitterness resulted in a brutal callous murder of a man that would not harm anyone. He knew Carl well and was aware of his vulnerability and I believe he went to his house that night intending to kill him, then callously stole from him.
"My thoughts remain with Carl's family at this difficult time. I hope seeing the man responsible for his death behind bars helps them gain some degree of closure."
Carl's family have released the following statement: "Carl's death shocked the whole family as well as the people who knew him. He was a lovely man who would not hurt anyone. He loved dancing and enjoying himself and that is how we will remember him.
"We are glad to see the man responsible for taking Carl away from us behind bars and when he dies he will have to answer to our lord for what he has done.
Keep dancing up in heaven Carl as no one can hurt you anymore."
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