Brighton killer jailed for 18 years

A Brighton man has been jailed for 18 years for murder.

David Sole, 33, battered to death a 48-year-old disabled man in his flat in Gloucester Street, Brighton.

Sole was staying with his victim Jon Ellison, who was described by a senior Sussex Police officer as “kind and trusting”.

He was convicted of murder by a jury at Lewes Crown today (Monday 23 January) after a two-week trial.

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall sentenced him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years.

His former girlfriend Denise Antonia, of Appledore Road, Moulsecoomb, was jailed for five years for helping an offender.

Friends of Mr Ellison found his body in the bedroom of his flat at 2.10am on Friday 15 April last year.

Sole and Antonia were arrested in Winchester the next day.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles, who led the police investigation, said: “Jon Ellison was killed by a man who had befriended him and who he trusted.

“His trust led to his death as the result of a motiveless but brutal drug and drink-fuelled assault which caused some of the worst injuries any of us have ever seen.

“Jon was a very vulnerable man, with many health and personal problems, but he was widely regarded as a kind and trusting person, known to all as ‘Wobbly Jon’.

“The violent death of anyone is a tragedy but this was particularly brutal and savage crime.

“Sole and Antonia, who was present at the scene and assisted his flight, were swiftly arrested as a result of information gathered by the investigation team from members of the public and the close co-operation of Hampshire Constabulary.

“In bringing his killer to justice, I would like to thank the witnesses and members of the public who have assisted this investigation.

“I am hugely grateful to Alan Kent QC who, with Ryan Richter, so ably led the case.

“Finally my thanks to my team, who have shown determination, compassion and tenacity in dealing with a very challenging and unpleasant case.”

Mr Ellison’s two brothers, who live in Sussex, said: “He is our brother and we may not have always appreciated or understood his way of life.

“We always maintained contact and were devastated when we heard the news of the way he met his end.

“He did not deserve to be taken in such a brutal way.

“It was completely at odds with his kind and gentle spirit.

“We are grateful for the support and kindness of those who share our feelings for Jon.

“We wish him peace and eternal rest.”