A man from Walsall has been convicted of murdering his friend in a brutal attack, then stealing his car and selling his mobile phone for quick cash. Bradley Nightingale, 29, was found guilty at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court of killing Jake Mills, 34, inside the victim's flat on Cheslyn Hay High Street last year.
The Murder
Jake Mills, a father, was discovered dead on September 18 after being reported missing the day before. He had suffered a fatal stab wound to his neck. Police investigations revealed that Nightingale had been with Mills at his flat two days before the body was found. CCTV footage captured Nightingale leaving the property.
Stolen Property and Getaway
After the murder, Nightingale took personal belongings from the flat, including Mills' bank card and mobile phone. He was seen driving Mills' Audi A5 but crashed the vehicle shortly after and fled on foot. The killer used the stolen bank card to pay for bus travel the morning he absconded. Police confirmed that he also sold the victim's phone at a pawn shop similar to Cash Converters.
Arrest and Trial
When arrested at his home on September 20, Nightingale produced a pre-prepared statement claiming Mills had given him permission to drive the car. He denied the murder and answered 'no comment' to detectives' questions. Following a trial, he was found guilty of murder and remanded in custody. Sentencing is scheduled for June 19 at the same court.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector Gina Pope of Staffordshire Police said: "This was a particularly tragic case which has seen a father taken away from his young daughter, and a wider family which loved him very dearly. I'm pleased that we've been able to gather strong evidence to show the jury what happened to Jake, and to provide some closure to his family. Our thoughts very much remain with them."
