Man sentenced to 27 years for murdering Anthony Priestley in Coventry
He was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court today
A Coventry man has been sentenced to 27 years in prison for the murder of 53-year-old Anthony Priestley.
Anthony Priestley was fatally stabbed by Alexander Neilson at an address in Aldrich Avenue in the early hours of 18th November last year.
On the night of the murder, Neilson visited Priestley’s address and used a knife to stab him eight times.
Priestley died later that night.
While leaving the scene, Neilson threatened the witnesses inside, warning them not to call the police or face the same fate.
Neilson, 28, was arrested on the same day following an investigation by the Homicide team, which used CCTV footage and witness statements to trace the events of the night.
Initially, Neilson denied involvement in Priestley's death but later admitted to the stabbing during an interview.
He pleaded guilty to murder on 19th May this year and was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court on 21st May.
Mr Priestley's daughter paid tribute to her father, saying: "Dad, you're missed every day and I will love you forever."
Detective Sergeant Andy Wareham commented on the case, saying: "This was an act of senseless violence which took a man's life. Regardless of the circumstances, Anthony Priestley had a right to feel safe in his own home."
Wareham hoped that the conviction would provide some closure for Anthony Priestley’s family.
The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time.