Teen Stabbed to Death by Violent Drug Dealer After Boxing Day Binge
A small-time drug dealer with a violent past knifed a 16-year-old boy to death in a horrendous Boxing Day attack.
Knife-wielding Dealer’s Deadly Boxing Day Rampage
Jake Rollinson, 20, went on a 24-hour drink and drugs binge before stabbing teenager Joseph Whitchurch four times in the chest and leg in the early hours of Boxing Day 2020.
Rollinson made a desperate 999 call claiming he found Joseph badly injured outside his grandmother’s home in Hickings Lane, Stapleford, and tried to save him. But police quickly uncovered his elaborate web of lies.
Attempt to Cover Up Shatters Under Police Scrutiny
His ex-girlfriend, Lorna Richardson, 25, backed his false story. Rollinson insisted they’d been sitting in a car when Joseph, gravely wounded, approached them. But officers found no blood near the car and had already been alerted to a violent disturbance at the address.
Joseph was rushed to hospital but died three days later. The murder weapon was later found hidden in the garden.
Known Violent Offender with Knife Obsession
- Rollinson had posed on social media flashing a large knife and cash.
- He’d previously been convicted for offensive weapon possession, battery, affray, robbery involvement, and racially abusing a police officer in custody.
Despite finally admitting to the stabbing, Rollinson claimed self-defence during a heated argument.
Justice Served: Guilty of Murder
After a three-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court, a jury found Rollinson guilty of murder. Both he and Richardson had pleaded guilty to attempting to pervert the course of justice by lying about the attack.
Rollinson now faces a life sentence. Sentencing for both is set in four weeks.
Detective Inspector Steve Wragg said: “Rollinson is a violent, small-time drug dealer whose obsession with knives and quick temper led to the tragic death of a popular young man with his whole life ahead of him.
“From the start, Rollinson lied repeatedly, only changing his story when caught out. Even as Joseph lay dying, Rollinson cared more about hiding the truth than saving a life.
“The officers saw the brutal reality — multiple stab wounds to Joseph’s chest and leg. Despite medical efforts, his injuries were fatal.”
“I’m glad the jury saw through his lies and found him guilty, but no punishment can bring Joseph back. My deepest sympathies are with his family, who have shown remarkable dignity through this.”
