Man jailed for murdering neighbour over money card

Tom Ellison murdered his neighbour in a "despicable act of violence", prosecutors said

A man has been jailed for strangling his neighbour to death and stealing his Post Office money card.

Ian Jupe, 58, was found dead at his flat in Mountain Ash Close, Southampton, on 28 May.

Tom Ellison, 35, used the card to withdraw £480.10 before returning to the flat and making phone calls to try to cover up the crime, police said.

He was found guilty of murder at Southampton Crown Court and was jailed for a minimum of 17 years and 194 days.

Police said Mr Jupe died at about 07:20 BST from compression to the neck.

Ellison denied intentionally killing the victim but admitted intending to cause him harm, detectives said.

After using the Post Office card, the defendant returned to the flat and made calls to Mr Jupe's phone, police added.

Det Ch Insp Matthew Gillooly said: “I hope that today’s result brings some level of closure to Ian’s family, as they now know that the person responsible for his death has been brought to justice.”

In a statement, Mr Jupe's sister said: “I miss my brother so much. He was taken away from me and my family through this tragic incident that happened.

"I was asked to look after him on my mum’s deathbed and unfortunately that didn’t happen.”

Gavin Sumpter from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “Tom Ellison murdered Ian Jupe in a despicable act of violence.

“Working with our criminal justice partners, the CPS is committed to ensuring that those who exploit and harm the most vulnerable members of our communities are held accountable for their actions.”