Southampton man convicted of murdering neighbor with money card

A man has been jailed for strangling his neighbor and stealing his Post Office cash card.

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

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

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

Police said Mr Jupe died at around 7.20am BST from neck compression.

Ellison denied intentionally killing the victim but admitted he intended to harm him, detectives said.

After using the post office card, the defendant returned to the flat and called Mr Jupe’s phone, police added.

Det Ch Insp Matthew Gillooly said: “I hope today’s outcome brings some form of closure to Ian’s family as they now know 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 from me and my family because of this tragic incident that happened.

“I was asked to care for him on my mother’s deathbed, but unfortunately that didn’t happen.”

Gavin Sumpter of 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.”