Murder Verdict: Ben Jones Found Guilty of Stabbing Over Drugs Debt
Ben Jones, 25, was convicted yesterday at Sheffield Crown Court after a four-week trial. He was found guilty of murdering Harry Marples-Douglas. Dina Aweimrin, 22, was also found guilty of helping one of the killers flee the country.
Sheffield Stabbing Linked to Drugs Debt
The court heard how Harry Marples-Douglas was fatally stabbed on 6 March 2020. The killing stemmed from an outstanding drugs debt. Jones and an accomplice turned up to settle the score.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Palmer revealed, “Jones and the other man arrived at Mr Marples-Douglas’ house prepared for a fight. They forced their way in after knocking at the back door. CCTV shows them chasing him inside the property.”
Marples-Douglas’ girlfriend received a neighbour’s call reporting a suspected burglary. She called friends for help. One friend found the victim bleeding and seriously injured. The paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
Manhunt and Escape Attempt Foiled
Police tracked Jones through telecoms and CCTV. After the attack, he returned to his father’s house where he was overheard confessing. He later admitted the killing to a family friend before being arrested in Leeds on 10 March.
Officers recovered two knives with the victim’s DNA and Jones’ hat from the crime scene. Meanwhile, the other assailant escaped abroad after visiting Dina Aweimrin.
DCI Palmer explained, “Aweimrin researched and booked the man a flight to Dubai using her bank card. From there, he flew to Somalia where he remains at large.”
Acquittal and Sentencing
- Aaron Johnson, 21, was cleared of murder charges and acquitted.
- Ben Jones, with no fixed address, found guilty of murder.
- Dina Aweimrin convicted of assisting an offender.
The grim case exposes violent disputes over drugs debts and desperate attempts to evade justice abroad.
