A man awaiting trial for attempted murder has been sentenced to life in prison after beating a fellow inmate to death at HMP Nottingham.
Andrew Thorpe, 38, attacked 32-year-old Jonathon Thornton on June 28, 2022, while on remand for a stabbing incident that occurred weeks earlier.
Thornton, who sustained severe brain injuries during the attack, died in hospital two weeks later.
Nottingham Crown Court heard that the attack was sparked by racist remarks made by Thornton, which Thorpe took offence to.
Thorpe was found guilty of both murder and attempted murder, having previously pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply.
The incident occurred while Thorpe was already awaiting trial for the attempted murder of Declan Hales in Edwalton, Nottinghamshire.
In the case, Thorpe had lured Hales to his home under the guise of a drug deal before stabbing him multiple times while wearing a ski mask. Hales survived the attack after managing to flee to a neighbour’s house and defend himself with a weapon.
During the sentencing, Judge Nirmal Shant KC described the attack as premeditated and said Thorpe “deliberately set up a fake drugs deal” and “armed himself with a knife.” The judge added that had Hales not escaped, he would have been killed.
Thorpe’s violent behaviour escalated after he took offence at Thornton’s racist comments, leading to his brutal assault on the fellow inmate.
Detective Constable Emily Whiteside of Nottinghamshire Police commented on the severity of Thorpe’s crimes, saying: “Thorpe is a very dangerous man and Nottinghamshire is a safer place with him behind bars.”
Thorpe’s conviction brings closure to both cases, but his victims’ families continue to mourn their losses.
