Brutal Knife Attacker Jailed for Life After Prison Murder
Knife Rampage in Edwalton
Andrew Thorpe, 38, of St Ann’s, has been locked up for life with a minimum 35-year term after a double assault that shocked Nottinghamshire. At Nottingham Crown Court today, Thorpe was found guilty of attempted murder and murder following two savage attacks.
On May 29, 2024, Thorpe, wearing a ski mask, lured a 28-year-old man to a home in Wheatcroft Drive, Edwalton, pretending it was a drug deal. He then launched a frenzied stabbing spree. Miraculously, the victim escaped and survived after fleeing to a neighbour’s house.
Prison Murder: Shower Block Attack
Just a month later, while on remand at HMP Nottingham, Thorpe fatally bashed fellow inmate Jonathon Thornton in the prison shower block. The ferocious beating caused catastrophic brain injuries. Thornton never recovered and died in hospital on July 12.
Thorpe admitted his involvement in both attacks but denied murder charges. Prosecutors rejected his pleas for lesser convictions of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.
Jealous Rage and Racist Retaliation
Court heard Thorpe attacked the Edwalton victim out of jealousy over contact with a woman he was obsessed with. The prison attack came after Thorpe allegedly heard Thornton made racist comments.
Judge Nirmal Shant KC slammed Thorpe: “You set a trap, armed with a knife and masked, and carried out a vicious and premeditated attack. In prison, you sought to send a message that you were not someone to be messed with.”
Drugs Found in Investigation
Thorpe had also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after cocaine was discovered during the investigation, adding to his long list of serious offences.
