Oxford: Man Jailed For Teen's Murder
29 August 2014, 11:15
A 21-year-old man has been jailed for life for the murder of 17-year-old Connor Tremble in Oxford.
William Blencowe, of Oxford Road, Banbury, was told he'll spend a minimum of 23 years behind bars.
He was found guilty by jury on Thursday of one count of murder following a three-week trial at Oxford Crown Court.
Bradley Jones, aged 21, of New Road, Bledington, and Grant Clemens, aged 24, of Stockwells, Moreton-in-Marsh, who were both on trial alongside Blencowe both accused of perverting the course of justice, were both found not guilty.
On the evening of 13 February 2014, Blencowe took a train from Banbury railway station to Oxford and subsequently a taxi to Connor’s flat in Fairacres Road where he stabbed him multiple times before fleeing.
Connor was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where he died of his injuries on 15 February.
Police traced Blencowe to a guest house in Stratford-upon-Avon and arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder on 14 February.
Blencowe was further arrested for murder following Connor’s death and charged with the offence on 17 February.
Speaking following the court hearing, senior investigating officer, Det Ch Insp Mark Glover, said: “Blencowe cruelly took the life of Connor, who was aged just 17, in a pre-planned unprovoked attack fuelled by jealousy.
“This conviction is a tragic reminder of the dangers of knife crime and its human cost.
“My thoughts remain with Connor’s family and I hope the conviction today of Blencowe will bring some resolution to them.”
Family Statement
The following is a statement released on behalf of Connor Tremble’s mother, Lisa Tremble, his father Martin Smith, his step mum, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins:
“We have waited almost seven months for justice to be done and today we believe we have finally got justice for Connor.
“Will Blencowe is responsible for committing the most horrific and violent murder of our beloved Connor which he carried out with detailed planning.
“The motive behind Connor’s murder was nothing more than jealousy on Will Blencowe’s part and he showed Connor no mercy.
“He has prolonged our family’s agony and suffering by pleading not guilty to every charge and we have sat every day in court listening to the evidence against them and his lies, he has shown no empathy throughout this long drawn out process.
“No family should every have to go through what we have gone through and are still going through.
"Connor was a very special young man who was vulnerable due to his special needs. He touched the hearts of everyone who knew him and everyone that he met.
"Connor was a charming cheeky happy go lucky lad who was just beginning to live an independent life. He was looking forward to his 18th birthday, a special milestone in his life, which he never reached. No more birthdays, Christmases and he will never have a family of his own.
“My life, Connors Dad’s life and every member of our family’s life has changed. It's a living nightmare that will never end.
“We would like to say thank you to everyone who has shown us all support and compassion throughout this horrific time in our lives, including all of Connor’s friends, especially Kyle, Lucy-Ann and Shelby.
“We would also like to thank the CPS, the barristers, Richard Barton and Charles Ward-Jackson who took on our case. Our family liaison officers Katy Datchler, Claire Routledge and Graham Cherry, Thames Valley Police major crime and senior officers, DCI Mark Glover, for all of their hard work, support and dedication.
“Finally our thanks go to the Adult Intensive Care Trauma Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital for their amazing work and their constant battle in trying so hard to save our Connor’s life.”