Life term for brutal killer
A 38-year-old Shropshire man was starting a life sentence today after he was found guilty of murdering a mother-of-two. A 38-year-old Shropshire man was starting a life sentence today after he was found guilty of murdering a mother-of-two. Philip Jervois, who showed no reaction as the unanimous verdict was announced yesterday, was told he must serve at least 26 years in jail. Jervois, of Lancaster Avenue, Dawley, Telford, throttled Charlie Smith with three cable ties before he sexually assaulted her, dumped her body in his bath and scalded her. Sentencing Jervois to life and setting the minimum term at 26 years, Judge John Warner said Jervois had carried out a "brutal" murder and subjected her to a "violent sexually motivated attack". See also: Victim was following a dream Killer must stay in jail - family Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
A 38-year-old Shropshire man was starting a life sentence today after he was found guilty of murdering a mother-of-two.
Philip Jervois, who showed no reaction as the unanimous verdict was announced yesterday, was told he must serve at least 26 years in jail.
Jervois, of Lancaster Avenue, Dawley, Telford, throttled Charlie Smith with three cable ties before he sexually assaulted her, dumped her body in his bath and scalded her.
Sentencing Jervois to life and setting the minimum term at 26 years, Judge John Warner said Jervois had carried out a "brutal" murder and subjected her to a "violent sexually motivated attack".
Judge Warner, sitting at Wolverhampton Crown Court, said Jervois then caused the 27-year-old, of Old Wharf, Malinslee, "horrific internal injuries".
He told Jervois his victim's family, friends and witnesses in the case would never forget the "cold and callous way" he referred to her murder as a "nice one."
Judge Warner added: "You are, in my opinion, an extremely dangerous man."
Jervois was told he had said nothing to reconcile Miss Smith's devastated family and friends to events.
Judge Warner said the fact Jervois had planned to conceal Miss Smith's body by dumping it in a wheelie bin and taking it "well away" from the area was an aggravating factor.
The packed public gallery erupted when the jury returned the guilty verdict.
Her mother, Janice Harris-Smith, and sisters Sam Preece and Kamina Smith broke down in tears.
Miss Smith's partner of 11 years, James Salmon, was at home with their two young daughters as his girlfriend's killer was jailed.
Mr Stephen Linehan QC, prosecuting, said everyone should admire the "courage, self control and dignity" of Miss Smith's family throughout the trial.
The jury took just under four hours to convict Jervois following a nine-day trial.
Speaking outside court, Detective Inspector Steve Tonks praised witnesses who helped jail Jervois, who he said had "showed complete contempt for Miss Smith and a callous disregard for her family".
Jervois had denied killing Miss Smith between February 9 and February 12 last year, claiming somebody else must have entered his flat and done it while he was asleep.
See also:
Victim was following a dream
Killer must stay in jail - family
