Wheelie Bin Killer: George Knights Sentenced for Chilling Murder in Rochester
George Knights, 19, was sentenced for brutally murdering Stephen Chapman in Rochester in October 2020. The shocking killing ended with Knights hiding Stephen’s body in a wheelie bin, attempting to cover up his crime.
Tragic Murder Over Cocaine Deal
The victim, 38-year-old Stephen Chapman, was last seen alive on the night of 23 October 2020. CCTV and phone records revealed the two knew each other and had arranged to meet to discuss a cocaine sale. Stephen vanished after meeting Knights.
When Stephen was reported missing the next day, Kent Police launched a missing person inquiry. Officers quickly zeroed in on Knights after discovering he was the last person in contact with Stephen, even claiming on a call he’d collected drugs from him.
Dark Deception and Desperate Cover-Up
Knights initially denied any involvement and provided sketchy details. But when he called police on Sunday to report a break-in attempt, officers swooped on his home. They found blood-stained clothes, a stash of Class A and B drugs, and Stephen’s iPhone and bank card.
Further searching uncovered Stephen’s body stuffed inside a wheelie bin in Knights’ conservatory, surrounded by empty sulphuric acid bottles. Knights was swiftly arrested on suspicion of murder.
Cold-Blooded Killer Shows No Remorse
Forensic evidence and CCTV showed Knights collecting the wheelie bin and heading to an associate’s house after the murder. A video from Knights’ phone showed him partying with cocaine and boasting about killing someone.
Detectives noted a sinister detail: Knights had recently tattooed a snake wrapped around a knife on his neck — eerily similar to the murder weapon.
“He is a callous killer who robbed Stephen Chapman of his life,” said Detective Superintendent Gavin Moss. “Knights showed no remorse and deprived Stephen’s family of precious closure. He is a clear danger to the public. We hope today’s sentencing brings the family some peace.”
