Reading Nightclub Murder: Man Jailed

13 June 2013, 14:03 | Updated: 20 June 2013, 15:25

A 32-year-old man's been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering a teenager at the Face Bar nightclub in Reading.

Jerome Small, from Arbour Close in Coley, has been convicted by a jury following a 2 week trial at Reading Crown Court. He will serve a minimum of 24 years in jail.

Small (pictured right) stabbed 17-year-old Jordan Malutshi in the early hours of Sunday 1 July at the nightclub in Chatham Street.

Senior Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hunter of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime department said: "The murder of Jordan Malutshi, who was only 17-years-old at the time of his death, was premeditated and senseless.

"Jerome Small has been found guilty of this murder having made a decision to arm himself with a knife with the intention of causing Jordan serious harm.

"Small has shown no remorse or sorrow for taking Jordan’s life. Instead, he claimed it was an accident and sought to blame others for his own failings."

Jordan's family released a statement after the conviction: "Jordan was a very friendly, socialable and outspoken young man. He loved reading books, newspapers, surfing the internet, playing football and computer games, as well as listening to and making music.

Jordan Malutshi"He was also a good student, who had achieved his GCSEs, and after college wanted to become an entrepreneur.

“Although we welcome the jury’s verdict, we know we will never have Jordan back. The person found guilty of Jordan’s murder should expect the full force of the law. We trust in the judicial system that a life sentence will mean life."

Supt Stuart Greenfield, Local Policing Area Commander for Reading, said they are focused on tackling knife crime and reducing the number of people who choose to carry knives; 

"If you carry a knife, you could end up in prison. Anyone who thinks that carrying a knife keeps them safe should think again, statistically, there is a real possibility of it being used against the carrier."