A woman has been convicted of murder after a man was found stabbed to death at his home in Medway last year.
Nina Mercer, 43, of Gun Lane, Strood, was found guilty at Maidstone Crown Court today for the murder of Alan Tomkins, 61, who died after being stabbed multiple times at his flat in Newark Court, Gun Lane, on 23 July 2024.
The court heard that Mr Tomkins, who had allowed Mercer to live with him and was believed to be financially supporting her, was attacked shortly after receiving a food delivery that afternoon. At approximately 6pm, Mercer stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the scene.
https:///www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzs5ES55bRs
Attempted Cover-Up and Theft
Following the fatal attack, Mercer met with a man known to her, Lee Robinson, 45, of Frindsbury Road, Strood. The pair returned to the scene where Robinson stole the victim’s wallet and bank card. Mercer then travelled in Mr Tomkins’ car to Cuxton Leisure Park, where she is believed to have disposed of her bloodstained clothing.
Two days later, on 25 July, Mercer returned to the flat with another associate. When the associate suggested Mr Tomkins may still be lying in the hallway, Mercer allegedly brushed off the comment.
Concerns were eventually raised by one of Mr Tomkins’ acquaintances when he failed to appear at work and a scheduled meeting. Kent Police forced entry to the property later that evening, discovering Mr Tomkins’ body in the hallway with a knife still protruding from his back. He had sustained six stab wounds.
Mercer was arrested at the scene when she walked up to the property while officers were still present.
Evidence and Conviction
Investigators obtained CCTV footage capturing Mercer’s movements around the time of the murder. Forensic testing on the knife confirmed traces of Mercer’s DNA, further linking her to the attack.
Robinson, who later used the victim’s bank card at a shop in Brompton Lane on 26 July, was arrested on 31 July. He admitted to theft and fraud, though denied assisting an offender. He was found not guilty of the latter charge.
Mercer had pleaded not guilty to murder, but was convicted following the trial.
Sentencing to Follow
Both Mercer and Robinson are due to be sentenced on Tuesday 18 March.
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Lawry, the senior investigating officer, said:
“The victim had allowed Nina Mercer to stay at his flat and is thought to have funded her lifestyle. She callously repaid him in a brutal assault with a knife that ended his life.
Mercer did not seek medical assistance for Mr Tomkins but instead sought to cover her tracks. She denied her guilt but has now been convicted following a trial.
Whilst Mercer is currently remanded to await her sentence, I hope the conviction affords the victim’s relatives and friends the opportunity to find some closure following these tragic events.”
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