News from around the county Thug jailed for life for killing Pokeman Go fan
A thug who strangled a Pokemon Go enthusiast in a shopping centre car park before stamping on his head and leaving him to die has been jailed for life.
John Dickson will have to serve an 18-year sentence before he will be considered for parole.
Maidstone Crown Court heard Dickson, 27, put Carl Gregory in a choke hold until he lost consciousness and collapsed.
His co-accused, Christopher Pollard, was acquitted of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter last week.
He wiped away tears of relief after the verdicts were returned.
The pair had gone to The Link Retail Park in Broadstairs to confront Mr Gregory after he insulted his ex-girlfriend – Pollard’s friend – on a social networking site.
He posted an offensive picture relating to Chloe Lemare on Facebook and called her a slag, the jury of eight women
‘In my judgement you are a very dangerous individual’
and four men heard.
A row erupted after Pollard arranged to meet Carl Gregory in a car park outside Hobbycraft on the evening of October 4.
Pollard, 20, took his friend Dickson and they ended up making a joint attack on Mr Gregory, it was alleged.
Pros e cutor Phi l ippa McAtasney QC said Pollard kicked the victim with steel cap boots and Dickson held him in a choke hold, which led to his death.
Dickson, of Northdown Road, Cliftonville, and Pollard, of Brimstone Hill, Meopham, denied the charges.
Judge Adele Williams said Pollard was the first to use violence, but things escalated when Dickson compressed Carl Gregory’s neck for nearly two minutes.
That was captured on CCTV before the pair left Mr Gregory at the scene. Judge Williams said Mr Gregory was vulnerable as he suffered from Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD.
She told Dickson: “You are cold and calculating, showing no emotion whatsoever. In my judgement you are a very dangerous individual.”
Oliver Saxby QC said Dickson had never met Mr Gregory and so did not realise the extent of his vulnerability.
Mr Gregory, 20, from Ramsgate, was said to enjoy computer games, music and football.
He met Miss Lemare about 18 months before his death. The relationship ended in August but they remained in contact and played Pokemon Go together.