A MURDERER and drug lord has been sent behind bars for at least 26 years for a "frenzied" killing in Southend.

Tyrell Thompson showed no emotion and stood with his hands in his pockets after the life sentence was passed in Basildon Crown Court today.

The 24-year-old of Kingston Road, London, along with a 16 and 18 year old boy from Southend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were convicted of murdering Lee Chapman by a jury on Tuesday.

In her sentencing remarks today, Judge Samantha Leigh told the court Thompson was the second in command of a County Lines drug line called "Max" and would be responsible for keeping drug runners in check.

Mr Chapman had been working for the drugs line as a runner before his death.

Mr Chapman was stabbed to death on Cromer Road, Southend on March 6 this year, with two wounds, inflicted by Thompson, impacting his lung and heart.

The attack was described as "frenzied" by witnesses.

The three then fled the scene in a vehicle, but all were later tracked down by the police.

The court heard the exact motive for the attack remains unclear, but Judge Leigh said the fact that Mr Chapman had been robbed of his supply of drugs before his death may have played a part.

Echo:

Victim Lee Chapman

Thompson denied being in the area at the time of the killing, but the jury saw through this and unanimously convicted him.

The court heard victim impact statements from several members of Mr Chapman's family, including the mother of his young daughter, his father, and sister.

Judge Leigh said that Thompson's excuses during the trial would have been "laughable" if the offences weren't so serious.

In her sentencing, she said: "Two people have bravely read their [victim impact statements] to me.

"No sentence by me whill bring their beloved family member back. This sentence does not put a value on life. That can be seen in the future memories.

"Regardless of drug issues, he was a brother, son and dad."

Thompson was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 26 years and 112 days before he will be eligible for parole.

He held his head to side, but showed no other emotion as he was led into the cells.