Norwich: Three sentenced for murdering Joe Dix in knife chase

(Left to right) Benjamin Gil, Cameron Palmer and Hans Beeharry were given life sentences

Three men have received life sentences for the drug-related murder of an 18-year-old.

Joe Dix, of Mile Cross, Norwich, was stabbed seven times following a chase in January 2022 and died in hospital.

Benjamin Gil, Cameron Palmer and Hans Beeharry, all from Norwich, were sentenced at Norwich Crown Court.

Gil and Palmer, both 19, were each jailed for a minimum of 21 years and Beeharry, 20, for a minimum of 20 years.

The court heard Gil was known to be armed and Palmer planned the burglary.

The jury was told during the trial how Gil, Palmer and Beeharry had gone to a flat in Vale Green, Norwich, intending to steal money and drugs.

Inside was a London-based county lines drugs dealer, who phoned Mr Dix for help.

Joe Dix, 18, died of stab wounds at Vale Green, Norwich, following a chase

The 18-year-old, who the court heard had been convicted for supplying Class A drugs in 2021, left his flat nearby and headed to Vale Green with a large knife.

A chase and a scuffle ensued with Mr Dix, Gil, Palmer and Beeharry in the street, ending with Mr Dix suffering fatal stab injuries.

Four knives had been previously identified in court as weapons used, including a 24in (61cm) sword.

Mr Dix was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where he died an hour later.

'Running for his life'

His mother Emma Dix, 47, read a victim statement to the court, saying his murder had devastated her family.

"It's unthinkable that a child should die before their parents," she said.

"How can I possibly tell you how it feels to not be able to protect your child?"

Mrs Dix spoke of the family events her son would now miss, but, referring to CCTV footage shown in court, said this was "nothing compared to the video of him running for his life", adding: "I cannot tell you how many times this has played over in our minds."

Mrs Dix said she wondered whether her son was in pain, and whether he knew he was going to die.

Mr Dix had gone to Vale Green, Norwich, after an associate called for help

She said she was now on medication after being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Her family had suffered further distress from receiving malicious messages since his death, she said, with some even purporting to be from Mr Dix.

'Murky world of drugs'

She also told the court a memorial garden at Vale Green - near where her son was fatally stabbed - had been desecrated.

Elizabeth Marsh, KC, defending Beeharry, said the murder was not premeditated, adding that her client was clever but had not intended to kill. He had no convictions prior to Mr Dix's murder.

Palmer's barrister, Simon Spence KC, said his client was 17 at the time of the offence, and that all three defendants should be treated equally in sentencing.

"He fell into the dark and murky world of drugs in Norwich," he said.

Justin Rouse, KC, defending Gil, said the murder was out of character for Gil, who was "failed by a complete lack of parental expectation".

Judge Alice Robinson said no sentence could bring Mr Dix back nor reduce his family's grief.