Drug addict who murdered man with machete gets life in prison
AMAN who murdered a retired restaurateur with a machete has been jailed for life. Jordan Davidson will have to serve a minimum of 23 years and four months in jail, a judge ruled yesterday.
The Wrexham man who called himself “the Devil” murdered retired restaurateur Nicholas Churton, 67.
The 26-year-old, who had earlier posed for a picture with the murder weapon which he called “his new toy”, received life imprisonment at Mold Crown Court after admitting the offence.
Mr Justice Clive Lewis said: “Whether, if ever, you are safe to be released on licence will depend upon the assessment of the risk that you pose to members of the public after that minimum term has expired.”
The court earlier heard that while on licence from prison Davidson had murdered Mr Churton at his flat in Crescent Close, Wrexham, on March 23.
The judge said Mr Churton, with whom Davidson was acquainted, was killed in the hallway of the property, where he lived alone, and was found to have seven separate injuries to his face, skull and neck.
Davidson had dragged his body into the living-room and placed it on the sofa, covering it with a duvet, then tried to start a fire.
Davidson had been due to go on trial for murdering the disabled grandfather and a series of other offences at Mold Crown Court last week.
But he pleaded guilty to the murder, together with a series of 12 other associated offences: one assault, two wounding with intent, one attempted wounding with intent, an aggravated burglary, two robberies, an attempted robbery and offences of burglary and an aggravated vehicle taking. The sentences for the 12 offences will be served concurrently.
Davidson pleaded not guilty to robbing Mr Churton before he was killed. No evidence was offered relating to that charge.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Iestyn Davies, of North Wales Police, said: “The seriousness and level of offending clearly illustrates that Jordan Davidson is an extremely dangerous individual who was prepared to resort to horrific offending in order to fuel his chaotic drug addiction.
“This has been a very challenging investigation where many innocent lives have been affected by the callous acts of this man. I hope that they will take some comfort from the fact that this man is now in prison for a considerable time and that north Wales will be a safer place.”
Mr Churton’s family described the retired businessman as a “kind, loving, and an extraordinary character who enriched the lives of all who knew him”.
In a statement, they said: “He will be forever in our hearts. We would like to thank those who have supported us throughout this very difficult time.”
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed yesterday that four police officers and one member of police staff have been advised by the IPCC they are under criminal investigation and have also been served with gross misconduct notices.
The IPCC is investigating North Wales Police’s (NWP) contact with Nicholas Churton before his death. The IPCC investigation began in April after a referral from North Wales Police.
IPCC Commissioner Derrick Campbell said: “My thoughts remain with Mr Churton’s family and friends following his murder, and all those affected.
“Our independent investigation is progressing well and the four officers and one member of police staff have been interviewed by our investigators. Now the murder case has concluded, we will work to complete our investigation as soon as possible.”