A teenager has confessed to killing Tom Ellis, 25, after stabbing him to death near shops. Mr Ellis was stabbed near the Ropewalk shopping centre on Queens Road, Nuneaton, at around 9.30pm on Saturday, June 8.
A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to Mr Ellis’ murder and unlawful possession of a knife at Warwick Crown Court. Mr Ellis died in hospital after being stabbed once.
Prosecutor Peter Grieves-Smith did not disclose the facts against the killer during a 15-minute hearing today. However, Mr Grieves-Smith said the killer had pleaded guilty saying the stabbing was “not planned” and that he had “no intention to kill”.
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Judge Andrew Lockhart KC, Honorary Registrar of Coventry, said the defendant, who admitted intent to cause serious harm, would be sentenced to life imprisonment when he returned to court in September. The youth, who was remanded in custody in a secure centre, will also be sentenced for bringing the knife to the scene of the offence.
Judge Lockhart adjourned the hearing and said: “You have pleaded guilty to murder today. That is a courageous act for anyone to do.”
The judge informed Mr Ellis’s killer that he would decide at the next hearing what the minimum sentence would be before a life sentence could be considered. “You will receive the appropriate level of reduction because you have pleaded guilty at this relatively early stage,” Justice Lockhart added.
After the accused left the dock, the judge addressed the victim’s family members sitting in the public gallery, thanking them for their dignity and composure during the hearing. Defence counsel KC Louise Sweet said the accused “wanted those present to know that he wanted to admit his guilt as soon as possible”.
Mr Ellis’ family paid tribute last month to a “gentle giant” who loved to make people laugh. A joint statement read: “Our beloved Tom, our son, brother, partner and best friend, was cruelly and suddenly taken from us at the age of 25.
“Our ‘gentle giant’ had an unparalleled zest for life, throwing himself into everything he did with boundless enthusiasm and passion. Tom was a vibrant soul, known for his love of brightly coloured clothing, his extensive shoe collection, his iconic hairstyle and his impressive ‘Viking’ beard.
“He could often be found dancing to his favorite tunes, bringing joy and laughter to those around him.”
