Prisoner given life-sentence for killing inmate whilst awaiting trial

A man has received a life sentence for beating a fellow prisoner to death whilst awaiting a trial for the attempted murder of another man in Nottinghamshire.

Weeks after he was charged with repeatedly stabbing a 28-year-old in Edwalton, Andrew Thorpe savagely beat a fellow inmate in a prison shower block.

Jonathon Thornton was left with a catastrophic brain injury and later died in hospital.

Following a trial, Andrew Thorpe was found guilty of attempted murder and Jonathon Thornton's murder.

Thorpe, 38, of Alfred Street North, St Ann’s, was today (8th May) given a life sentence. A judge told him he must serve a minimum term of 35 years in prison before he can be considered for parole.

Sentencing Thorpe, Judge Shant KC said:

“You deliberately set up a fake drugs deal with (the first victim). Having set up the trap, you armed yourself with a knife and put on a ski mask to hide yourself from detection.

"You took a taxi to his home and when he opened the door to you, you set about him with a knife.

"On the evidence, I am sure that had he not run into a neighbour's house and picked up a knife himself, you would have killed him."

The judge added:

"Whilst in custody, you took offence after being told Mr Thornton had made racist comments. You decided to teach him a lesson and to demonstrate to others that you were not someone to be messed with."

Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Emily Whiteside, who investigated the Edwalton incident, said:

“The nature of the Edwalton attack was horrendous with the victim being stabbed multiple times including to his back as he attempted to flee.

“If it was not for the quick actions of the emergency services and medical professionals, this could have resulted in a murder investigation.

“As it was, the victim thankfully survived but a murder inquiry was sadly necessary just a few weeks later after Thorpe beat a fellow prison inmate to death.

“This, too, was a horrendous attack and our thoughts are with Mr Thornton’s family as they continue to come to terms with his sudden loss.

“We are pleased Thorpe will now be locked up for many years. He is a very dangerous man and Nottinghamshire is a safer place with him behind bars.”

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