A Walsall man has been found guilty of murdering his friend before crashing the victim's car and selling his phone at a pawnshop for quick cash. Bradley Nightingale, 29, stabbed Jake Mills, 34, inside the victim's flat on Cheslyn Hay High Street last year.
The body of Mr Mills was discovered by police at his home on September 18, the day after he had been reported missing. He tragically leaves behind a young daughter. A post-mortem examination revealed a fatal stab wound to his neck. Personal belongings, including his bank card, were missing from the flat.
Investigation Details
Detectives established that Nightingale was with Mr Mills two days before the body was found. CCTV footage captured Nightingale leaving the address. He was then seen driving the victim's Audi A5 for a short distance before crashing and fleeing on foot.
The killer used Mr Mills' bank card to pay for bus travel on the morning he fled. He also sold the victim's phone at a 'Cash Converters-type shop,' according to police.
Arrest and Trial
When arrested at his home on September 20, Nightingale gave a pre-prepared statement claiming he had 'been given permission to drive the car by Jake.' He denied murder and answered 'no comment' to police questions. Following a trial at Stoke-On-Trent Court, he was found guilty of murder today. He has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on June 19 at the same court.
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.'
