18 years for killer of Dancing Carl

A MAN who admitted the murder of “Dancing Carl” Chadwick (pictured) – the popular Warrington man found stabbed and strangled at his home in January – has today been jailed for 18 years.
Heath Lee Jones, 40, of Grasmere Avenue, Warrington had admitted the murder at an earlier hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.
He also admitted theft.
After the sentencing, Detective Inspector Nigel Wenham, who had led the murder inquiry, said: “Carl’s death deeply shocked the community. Everyone we spoke to found it hard to believe that someone would harm him.
“Jones was jealous of the fact Carl had more money than him and his bitterness resulted in a brutal callous murder of a man that would not harm anyone. He knew Carl well and was aware of his vulnerability and I believe he went to his house that night intending to kill him, then callously stole from him.
“My thoughts remain with Carl’s family at this difficult time. I hope seeing the man responsible for his death behind bars helps them gain some degree of closure.”
The court was told that Carl, known affectionately in the local community as “dancing Carl” was found dead at his flat, also on Grasmere Avenue on Saturday, January 29.
A murder hunt was immediately launched.
Carl was known to be a man of routine and was considered vulnerable due having learning difficulties, aggravated when he suffered a head injury at the age of 17. The accident led to a degree of memory loss and made some everyday tasks more difficult.
However, Carl did live a full and independent life with support from friends and neighbours. But he was also well known for keeping large amounts of cash at home.
He was last seen on Tuesday January 18 when he left the Greenwood Public House. He was killed that same evening.
Carl left the Greenwood Pub at 8.23pm carrying two shopping bags. CCTV from the pub showed him leaving and walking across the car park towards his home address on Grasmere Avenue.
On Saturday January 29, Carl was found dead at his flat by two neighbours who were concerned they had not seen him for 10 days.
Jones was arrested on March 2. He denied being responsible for Carl’s death and was subsequently bailed. However he was arrested again nine days later following further forensic evidence.
On this occasion Jones admitted murdering Carl and stealing his wallet and cash. He told officers where he had disposed of the wallet and the knife he used to stab Carl.
Carl’s family have released the following statement: “Carl’s death shocked the whole family as well as the people who knew him. He was a lovely man who would not hurt anyone. He loved dancing and enjoying himself and that is how we will remember him.
“We are glad to see the man responsible for taking Carl away from us behind bars and when he dies he will have to answer to Our Lord for what he has done.
“Keep dancing up in heaven Carl as no one can hurt you anymore.”