Teenager jailed for murdering man on Christmas Day

A teenager has been jailed after being found guilty of murdering a man at his home on Christmas Day 2024.

The body of Billy McNicholl, 63, was discovered with head injuries and a stab wound to his right shoulder at his Ipswich home on New Year's Day last year.

Jake McMillan, of Peterhouse Close in the Chantry area of the town, denied any involvement during his two-week trial at Ipswich Crown Court but was convicted of murder.

At the same court on Thursday, Judge Samantha Leigh sentenced the 19-year-old, who has been in custody since being charged, to 13 years and 90 days in prison.

McMillan was said to have killed McNicholl at some point between 15:15 GMT and 17:15 on 25 December 2024.

His body was found lying face down a week later by police officers after concerns were raised by his neighbours.

They said they had not seen him since 25 December, but had heard his dog howling.

During the trial, the court heard how McMillan had been seen on camera footage arriving in the area of McNicholl's house on Hawthorn Drive, on Christmas Day.

The teenager's finger and palm prints were also found at the scene, as well as footprints which were discovered in blood.

But McMillan told police he had gone to the victim's home because he wanted to collect his rucksack, which he said he had previously left there.

He said he then discovered his body but, instead of calling the police or telling his parents, he went home before changing his clothing and shoes.

On his way home, he threw three of McNicholl's phones - which he had stolen from the scene - in the river near the Sir Bobby Robson Bridge because he wanted to "destroy them".

Despite claiming in court that he "did not kill" McNicholl and "had no involvement in his murder", a jury found him guilty of murder after two days of deliberation.

Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.