Man Gets Life For Glynn Helliwell Murder

A 22-year-old's been jailed for life for murdering chef Glynn Helliwell in Bournemouth.

Jake Brand stabbed 42-year-old Glyn Helliwell in the area of Parkwood Road in Southbourne at around 12.45am on Wednesday 6th July 2011.

Glyn, who worked at the Bistro on the Beach restaurant, was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where he later died as a result of a single stab wound.

The jury heard that Brand had followed Glyn from The Grove pub along Parkwood Road and then attacked him from behind before stealing his mobile phone.

Glyn’s stolen Sony Ericsson K800i was later recovered during the course of the police investigation, with Brand admitting that he had taken the phone from the scene but denying the killing.

Brand was found guilty at Winchester Crown Court on Monday 30th January 2012. He was sentenced to life imprisonment – he will serve a minimum 23 years.

Detective Inspector Stewart Balmer, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said:

“The jury has agreed that Glyn, a well-liked man described as a gentle giant, was simply making his way home from the pub when he was viciously attacked without warning.

“This was a cowardly attack by Jake Brand on an innocent man who had enjoyed an evening out with friends. Brand then stole his mobile phone, and remained in the area as his victim suffered on the ground.

“He refused to assist officers at the scene and the court has heard of his deliberate attempts to evade justice, not least by attempting to implicate others in the murder. This was a truly shocking sequence of events which is reflected in the sentence.

“The Major Crime Investigation Team has worked tirelessly to ensure that Brand would be brought to justice and the Case Officer, Detective Sergeant Dave Richards, and I would like to thank the residents of Southbourne and various witnesses who have assisted us throughout this case and given evidence at court.

“Glyn’s sad death is a clear reminder of the dangers of knives and I would like to make it clear that Dorset Police will use the full force of the law to deal with anyone who keeps such items about their person.

“Our thoughts go out to Glyn’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Following the conviction, Tessa Hingston, Crown Advocate for the Crown Prosecution Service in Wessex said:

"Glyn Helliwell, a local chef at the Bistro of the Beach restaurant was killed while he was heading home on the night of the 6th July 2011.

"The man described as a ‘gentle giant’ tragically met his death after the defendant, Jake Brand followed him after he had left the Grove Tavern and stabbed him to death.

"The jury at Winchester Crown Court heard how reprehensible Brand’s behaviour was.

"Not only did he apparently attack Glyn Helliwell from behind, and steal his phone as he lay wounded, but he also, during the trial, attempted to incriminate his brother for the murder of Mr Helliwell.

"The pathologist confirmed that Mr Helliwell died as a result of a single stab wound to the left rear of his abdomen that caused a catastrophic blood loss from a punctured aorta.

"The murder weapon was never found.

"The jury watched CCTV evidence from local shops and businesses showing the defendant walking behind Mr Helliwell as he left the Grove Tavern.

"Within half an hour later, Mr. Helliwell had been stabbed.

"The jury also heard evidence from an ex-girlfriend of Mr. Brand who explained how Jake Brand admitted to her on 9th July that he had committed the murder.

“We were able to bring a strong case to court thanks to the thorough investigation of Dorset Major Crime Investigation Team.

"As a result, the jury was satisfied that Jake Brand was the murderer of Glyn Helliwell.

"Our thoughts go out to Glyn’s family and friends at this difficult time.”