A 27-year-old labourer who subjected a “vulnerable” young man to a brutal murder and dismembered his body before dumping the remains in bin bags in a park has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Dajour Jones will serve a minimum of 27 years, with the time he has already spent in custody taken into account.
The victim, 20-year-old Jamie Gilbey, was last seen alive entering Jones’s room at a hostel in Upper Norwood on the evening of January 27, 2022. Jurors at the Old Bailey heard that Jones carried out a “sustained and vicious” attack, inflicting severe head injuries, stabbing Mr. Gilbey both before and after his death, and ultimately dismembering his body.
A “Violent and Dangerous Individual”
Sentencing Jones in his absence after he refused to attend the hearing, Judge Nigel Lickley KC described him as a “violent and dangerous individual” who had deprived Mr. Gilbey of his future.
“Jamie was in the prime of his life and had his entire life ahead of him. You took that away,” the judge said.
The court was told that Jones calmly disposed of Mr. Gilbey’s remains in South Norwood Lake and Grounds, using a purple suitcase to transport the body parts in two separate trips. He dumped blood-stained clothing and bedding in a third trip.
A Devastating Loss
Mr. Gilbey’s mother, Charlene Baxter, spoke of the profound impact her son’s death has had on the family:
“My sons often ask if the bad man is coming. Jamie was always happy, laughing, and joking. He loved playing pranks on people. Our family is broken.”
A “Deeply Disturbing” Case
Prosecutor Simon Denison KC described the case as “deeply disturbing”, with the victim being a “defenceless and vulnerable” man who had learning difficulties and had been “too trusting.”
The court heard that Jones claimed self-defence, saying he struck Mr. Gilbey with a broom after being confronted with a knife. However, the jury rejected this claim, finding him guilty of murder following a nine-week trial.
Calm and Methodical Disposal
Jones’s actions following the murder showed a chilling lack of remorse, the court was told. He kept Mr. Gilbey’s remains in a crate in his room before disposing of them in Cantley Gardens. He then cleaned up the blood-stained room and appeared “extraordinarily relaxed and cheerful” in the days following the crime.
Police arrested Jones on March 3, 2022, five days before the remains were discovered. When charged, he simply responded: “Alright. Cool.”
A History of Violence
Jones, who has no fixed address, has a history of violent behaviour, including a prior conviction for attacking a staff member at a cycling shop with a glass. He had been released from prison on licence shortly before committing the murder.
Sentencing
Judge Lickley sentenced Jones to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 24 years and 353 days, factoring in the two years and 12 days he has already served.
The case has left the local community shocked and devastated, with Mr. Gilbey remembered as a kind and trusting young man whose life was senselessly taken.
