Police have released the custody picture of killer Jake Rollinson who was found guilty of the murder of Joseph Whitchurch.
Rollinson, 20, who denied the murder charge, was convicted on Wednesday afternoon (September 1).
Joseph was just 16 years old when he was fatally stabbed by Rollinson, a small-time drug dealer who dealt in cannabis and cocaine.
Nottingham Crown Court had heard Joseph himself took drugs supplied by Rollinson and also assisted Rollinson, of Hickings Lane, Stapleford, with his drug dealing.
On one level, Joseph looked up to Rollinson, but on another, young Joseph was scared of Rollinson, who now faces a life sentence for his murder. Joseph was also threatened and bullied by him.
Joseph, who was stabbed at least four times by Rollinson on Boxing Day morning, died on December 29.
Detective Inspector Steve Wragg, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, led the investigation into Joseph’s death.
He said: “Rollinson is a violent, small-time drug dealer whose quick temper and self-documented fondness for knives led to the tragic and premature death of a popular young man who had his whole life in front of him.
“Right from the outset, Rollinson repeatedly lied about what really happened that day – changing his story only when his rank dishonesty was exposed.
“Even in the immediate aftermath of the attack – as a young man lay dying in front of him – he was primarily concerned not with saving a life but with covering his own back.
“Unfortunately, the sorry, sordid reality of what had happened was plain to see to the officers who first arrived on the scene.
"Rollinson had repeatedly stabbed his victim multiple times in the chest and leg. Despite the best efforts of medical staff those injuries were to prove fatal.
“I am pleased that the jury in this case has seen through his lies and reached a guilty verdict. But sadly no amount of punishment can ever bring Joseph back.
“He was a popular and good-natured young man with his whole life ahead of him and my deepest sympathies remain with his family.
"Throughout the legal process they have acted with admirable calm and dignity and I hope this verdict goes some way to helping them with their pain.”
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