Drug addict murderer who stabbed unconscious man to death jailed for life

A drug addict murderer who stabbed an unconscious man to death has been jailed for life.

Paramedics rushed to a flat in Witney Close, Allenton, just after 1pm on 9 January, 2025, where they found Anthony Tipper had suffered a fatal stab wound.

It was Simon Thomason who made the call to the emergency services – telling the call taker that “he’s cold, he’s dead, duck”.

When officers attended the scene Thomason was quickly arrested after they did not believe his lie that he had simply found Mr Tipper unresponsive at the flat.

Detectives from the Major Crime Unit were drafted in, but it quickly became clear that the case would not be an easy one to investigate as Thomason had gone to great lengths, employing another criminal, to get rid of crucial evidence.

Detective Inspector Tony Owen, who led the investigation, said: “Hundreds of hours of CCTV footage were seized and reviewed, and it became apparent that Thomason was lying about his actions that day.

“Thomason was caught on camera, along with associate Dale Lynch, disposing of evidence over the course of the morning – before he made his 999 call.

“Such was the time that they had to dispose of evidence, the murder weapon, as well as clothing worn at the time of the killing, were never able to be recovered.

“However, their attempt to cover up the murder trapped them in a web of lies, with swapping of sim cards and fake calls being made in an attempt to construct an alibi for Thomason, leading to their charge and ultimate conviction.”

The circumstantial evidence was so strong that Thomason was able to be charged with murder – and Dale Lynch, 32, formerly of Arkwright Street, Derby, with assisting an offender.

Both denied the charges but were found guilty after a two-week trial at Derby Crown Court.

DI Owen said: “There is only one person who can tell us exactly what happened on that day – and the reason that Anthony lost his life.

“And while Simon Thomason has never given an explanation our best understanding of the circumstances that led to his death is that Anthony, who had been addicted to drugs for many years, had been used by a drugs gang to help sell their illegal wares.

“There had recently been a loss of drugs for which Anthony was blamed and, sadly, such is the world that Simon Thomason lives in – that perceived debt was enough to see Anthony lose his life.

“While no sentence will bring Anthony back I hope that today’s hearing allows them to begin the process of learning to live without Anthony, who was a clearly much loved son, brother, uncle and friend.”

At a sentencing hearing today (Thursday 4 September) Thomason, 52, was jailed for life, and must serve a minimum term of 19 years – reduced to 18 years and 131 days for the time served on remand. The court hear that he had two recent offences that involved knives – including a kidnapping in 2016 that saw him jailed for 50 months.

Dale Lynch was jailed for three years – and will serve half that sentence before being released on licence.

In a victim impact statement from Anthony Tipper’s mother, Christine Tipper, which was read to the court she movingly explained the pain of losing her first child, she said: “Since that day, my health and wellbeing have deteriorated significantly. 

“I don’t sleep well at all, I worry about things more and I feel I have lost a sense of routine.  My health has suffered, and I may never recover from this.

“I cannot fully express how I feel, as I am still in the midst of grieving. I am grateful for the time I had with Anthony, but I am also angry that he was taken from us so needlessly. No parent should ever have to bury their child.

“What I wanted most from this trial was answers—why was Anthony murdered, what was the motive, and how did it happen? I still do not have all those answers.  The man found guilty of Anthony’s murder has chosen to lie and avoid explaining the reasons behind his actions.

“The trial has brought on moments of depression, anxiety, and stress. It has pulled me away from my family, disrupted my routine, and at times made me feel like someone I no longer recognize.

“Despite all this, I am relieved that justice has been served. A jury has found Simon Thomason guilty, and I take comfort in knowing that the law requires a prison sentence for the death of my son. I am deeply grateful to the jury for their dedication and bravery throughout this trial.

“Anthony was loved—by me, by our family, by his friends, and by many others who knew him. He mattered to us. He did not deserve to be killed.

“I understand that for some, the conclusion of this trial marks the end of the matter. But for me and my family, this pain will remain with us for the rest of our lives.”