A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison following the murder of Ian Jupe in Southampton in May of this year.

Tom Alexander Ellison of Mountain Ash Close, Southampton, appeared at Southampton Crown Court today (Thursday 21 November) for sentence, having been found guilty of 58-year-old Ian’s murder by a jury at the same court yesterday (Wednesday 20 November).

He denied intentionally killing Ian, who was found deceased in his home on Mountain Ash Close on Tuesday 28 May 2024, however did admit that he had intended to cause him harm.

The court heard how Ian was last seen alive on the evening of Monday 27 May, and was located dead inside his flat by a friend on the Tuesday morning.

Police were called to the scene and deemed the circumstances of Ian’s death to be suspicious, launching a murder investigation. A Home Office Post Mortem found that Ian had died as a result of compression to the neck, and following police enquiries Ellison was arrested on suspicion of his murder. 

During the trial, prosecutor Charles Row KC told the court how Ellison had entered Ian’s flat shortly before 7.20am and murdered him before stealing his Post Office card, which he used a short time later to withdraw £480.10.

He then returned to Ian’s flat and made calls to his phone in an attempt to cover up what he had done.

At today's hearing, Ellison was sentenced to a total of 17 years and 194 days in prison.

After today’s sentence, Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Gillooly, Senior Investigating Officer for the case, said: “We are pleased with the jury's verdict and today's sentence, and would like to thank all those involved in this investigation, who have worked tirelessly to hold the person responsible for Ian’s death accountable for his actions. We believe that the guilty verdict and sentence today reflects this.

“I hope that today’s result brings some level of closure to Ian’s family, as they now know that the person responsible for his death has been brought to justice. Our thoughts remain with Ian’s friends, family and all those that knew him today.”

Ian’s sister said: “I miss my brother so much.  He was taken away from me and my family through this tragic incident that happened. I was asked to look after him on my mum’s death bed and unfortunately that didn’t happen.”

Gavin Sumpter, a Senior Crown Prosecutor with CPS Wessex, said: “Tom Ellison murdered Ian Jupe in a despicable act of violence.

“I would like to pay tribute to the strength of Mr Jupe’s family throughout these proceedings and I hope the outcome of this case brings some measure of comfort to them.

“Working with our criminal justice partners, the CPS is committed to ensuring that those who exploit and harm the most vulnerable members of our communities are held accountable for their actions.”