This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-24023176
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Jack Hummerstone guilty of Thomas Brittain murder | Jack Hummerstone guilty of Thomas Brittain murder |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A teenager has been found guilty of murdering a song composer and music producer in a "planned" and "callous" attack. | |
Thomas Brittain, 26, bled to death after being stabbed by 18-year-old Jack Hummerstone at a flat in Colchester. | |
Hummerstone attacked Mr Brittain after breaking into the flat early on 9 March to steal cash and drugs. | |
He was found guilty of murder and grievous bodily harm with intent at Chelmsford Crown Court. | |
Andre Vella, 19, from Village Close, in Kirby Cross, was found not guilty of the two counts. | |
Hummerstone, described in court as a "very unpleasant criminal", became involved in a struggle with Mr Brittain, also known as Twister. | |
'Well respected musician' | |
Mr Brittain, who had been staying with friends in Parkside Quarter, in Colchester, died on the floor from a punctured lung. | |
He had suffered several other knife wounds. | |
Det Insp Anne Cameron, of Essex Police, said: "Tom was a well-respected musician who spent his last few months in fear of Jack Hummerstone, resulting in Tom losing his flat, his possessions and ultimately his life. | |
"This was a planned callous violent attack on a defenceless family and particularly Tom." | |
The court heard Mr Brittain was staying with Matthew Purves and Zoe Lewis and their three children. | |
Mr Purves and Mr Brittain were dozing in the living room of the flat when they heard banging and shouting outside the front door at about 02:00 GMT. | |
Two masked men wielding a kitchen knife and a fake gun forced their way in, the court heard. | |
Miss Lewis came out to see what was happening and was threatened with a knife. | |
She managed to break free and ran to the children's room where she was joined by Mr Purves, who was injured in the scuffle. | |
Both parents tried to protect the children and hold the door closed while dialling 999 for help, the court heard. | |
Hummerstone, of no fixed address, had claimed he could not have fatally stabbed Mr Brittain because he was carrying a fake gun at the time. | |
He said he took a gun as it was "scarier than a knife". | |
Hummerstone and Vella both admitted possession of an imitation firearm. Hummerstone admitted aggravated burglary, while Vella was found guilty of the offence. | |
Hummerstone was also convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent for the attack on Mr Purves. Vella was cleared of the charge. | |
They will be sentenced in two weeks. |
Previous version
1
Next version