Matthew Jewell QC recently concluded a murder trial at Southampton Crown Court regarding the murder of a well known former local councillor on the Isle of Wight. Jonathan Stasiuk, 60, was charged with murdering 73-year-old Gerry White at the Lake Community Gardens on the Isle of Wight.

During the trial Matthew Jewell QC said Stasiuk had a 'list of complaints' against Mr White including 'dishonestly' donating £3,000 to Lake Community Gardens from the Rotary Club he was a member of. He added that Stasiuk ‘gave a full account over six interviews and told police officers he attacked Mr White with a chainsaw and then by strangling and smothering him until he believed he was dead.’

Stasiuk, 60, admitted murder part-way through his trial at Southampton Crown Court; he had initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. He was jailed for life with a minimum of 25 years. For more information see press links below.

1. BBC (trial report)
2. Daily Mail
3. BBC (post-trial report)