Simon Spence QC and Jamie Sawyer successful in Essex murder prosecution

Following a two month trial at Ipswich Crown Court, Simon Spence QC leading Jamie Sawyer have successfully prosecuted a 16 year old boy, convicted of manslaughter and 28 year old Leighton Snook, convicted of the murder of 83 year old Donald Ralph.

Donald Ralph died in his bungalow of 50 years in Aldham, Essex on the 28th December and was known to Snook as a long distance relative.

Snook had been ‘desperate for money’ and the jury heard how Donald Ralph was ‘beaten till he bled’ and then strangled.

The pair stole two guns and Mr Ralph’s Volvo, with the firearms yet to be recovered by police.

The trial which commenced on the 7 June concluded on the 12 August.

Sentencing will take place on 1 October, 2021.

Read news stories here:
[BBC]
[Express and Star]
[Ipswich Star]
[Gazette]