Couple Jailed After Brutal Robbery and Murder of Paul Tong
Life for Croydon Man in Ealing Murder
A Croydon man and his accomplice were handed heavy sentences at the Old Bailey on Monday, 6 July, for their roles in the violent killing of Paul Tong.
Christopher McDonald, 36, from Goodwin Road, Croydon, was locked up for life for murder with a minimum term of 32 years. He also received 16 years for robbery, to run concurrently.
Aliysa Ellis, 31, of Loveday Road, Ealing, was sentenced to 13 years for manslaughter and an additional 13 years for conspiracy to rob, also concurrently.
Planning the Deadly Robbery
The court heard Ellis and McDonald teamed up to rob Paul Tong, 54, on the night of 19 April 2017. Ellis knew Tong dealt drugs and kept cash hidden in his bedroom.
Paul’s family reported him missing the next day, prompting police to discover his lifeless body at a Willcott Road, Ealing home. The post-mortem revealed severe injuries — fractured ribs and a ruptured liver.
An exercise bar found behind the bedroom door likely dealt the fatal blows.
Damning Evidence Sealed Their Fate
Messages on McDonald’s phone showed Ellis urging him to “make sure you get the P” — with “P” slang for money — just before 9pm on the night of the attack. The pair kept in contact the following day. On 21 April, McDonald even searched “Crimewatch,” indicating their growing paranoia.
Ellis was arrested on 3 May, McDonald on 12 May 2017. Both were charged on 12 January 2018.
“Paul was subjected to a violent attack and the pair then callously left him fatally injured in his bedroom before his body was found the next day,” said Detective Sergeant Lee Tullett.
“I hope today’s result can bring some closure to Paul’s family so they can move forward.”
