A MURDERER has been jailed for life after stabbing his former friend through the heart following an altercation in Rochford.

A jury found Perry Coulson, 39, of Lesney Gardens, Rochford, guilty of murdering 32-year-old Dominic Clark-Ellingford following a week-long trial in July.

An investigation was launched on Friday, November 25, 2022 following reports of a serious assault in Lesney Gardens, Rochford at 8.30am.

Mr Clark-Ellingford was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene.

Coulson appeared in Basildon Crown Court on August 11 to be sentenced by Judge Samantha Leigh.

Judge Leigh said: “What I say now is not meant to be of value in relation to Mr Clark-Ellingford’s life.

“No sentence passed by a court can ever equal the value of a life, that is not the purpose of sentencing.

“Obviously, no-one can do anything to turn the clock back, which I’m sure Mr Clark Ellingford’s family and Mr Coulson would like to do.”

READ MORE:

> Rochford murder trial hears defendant ‘admitted to mum’

> Rochford murder trial hears defendant 'said killing was inevitable'

Coulson murdered Mr Clark-Ellingford, a father of two, by stabbing him in the chest with a large US Army fighting knife.

Having carried out the murder, the defendant left Mr Clark-Ellingford to die alone in the sitting room of the flat and went outside to hide the knife in the rear of the flats.

Upon police arrival, officers found Mr Clark-Ellingford had sustained a serious injury , but despite the best efforts of the emergency services he died at the scene.

The pair, who were long-time friends, argued for weeks before the incident on social media and through text messages.

They met up on the evening of November 24, appearing to have reconciled, before consuming alcohol and drugs throughout the early hours of November 25.

Mr Clark-Ellingford posted a Facebook picture at 2am on November 25 of the two, further suggesting they had become friends again.

Hours passed and the pair were rapping before disparaging comments were made and a struggle ensued.

The victim was stabbed and died during the fight.

Coulson was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 15 years.

Judge Leigh added: “I would like to thank the victim’s family for the way they presented themselves throughout this trial with the utmost dignity.”