February 11, 2026
Simon Spence KC and Joe Bird have secured the conviction of a teenager for the murder of 63‑year‑old Billy McNicholl, who was attacked and killed in his Ipswich home on Christmas Day 2024.
Mr McNicholl was discovered on New Year’s Day with severe head injuries and a stab wound to his shoulder.
Following an extensive investigation and a two‑week trial at Ipswich Crown Court, 18‑year‑old Jake McMillan was found guilty of his murder.
The case involved the careful presentation of forensic evidence, CCTV analysis and witness testimony, reflecting the complexity and seriousness of the offending.
Sentencing will take place on 23rd April.
Simon Spence KC is instructed in serious crime, murder and manslaughter, working across East Anglia and London on high‑profile and complex cases that have attracted both national and international media attention: https://redlionchambers.co.uk/barrister/simon-spence-kc/#murder-manslaughter
Joe Bird’s practice encompasses the full range of criminal offending including Murder & Manslaughter, serious Sexual Offences and Serious & Organised Crime:https://redlionchambers.co.uk/barrister/joe-bird/#crime
Read BBC News story here
