A POLICE detective has said there is “no excuse for the despicable actions” of two boys who murdered a talented musician in his own home.

Vulnerable 35-year-old Edward Reeve was attacked by Jack James Hindley and Samuel Roy Jones on New Year’s Eve last year.

The boys were found guilty of Mr Reeve’s murder following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.

Appearing at a hearing at the same court on Wednesday, September 28, Hindley, 17 and of Christchurch, and Jones, 17 and of Bournemouth, were sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years.

A reporting restriction, which was previously in place preventing the naming of the defendants, was lifted at the hearing following an application by the Daily Echo.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: “I would firstly like to reiterate my condolences to the family and friends of Edward Reeve during this very difficult time. I hope that the sentencing today provides Mr Reeve’s loved ones with some small form of comfort following his extremely sad death.

“I would also like to repeat my thanks to everyone from Dorset Police who was involved in this detailed and meticulous investigation, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service prosecution team for their role in helping to secure these convictions and sentences.

“There is no excuse for the despicable actions of these two teenage boys.

"Knife crime can cause tragedies and I hope this case highlights to anyone thinking of carrying a knife the devastating impact it can have on individuals and their loved ones, as well as their own family.

“If you believe someone is in immediate possession of a knife or offensive weapon please dial 999. If you would like to report your concerns about a knife carrier or need some advice, please call 101 or visit dorset.police.uk and report it online. Please help us prevent future tragedies such as this.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of Edward Reeve and my thanks to all those involved in bringing this particularly tragic and difficult case to court.

“This was a truly abhorrent crime, one which has taken away a man’s life and destroyed the future of the two teenagers who committed it.

"I just hope that this case brings home to those who choose to carry and use a knife that there can be truly devastating consequences to your actions.”

Just before 8pm on Friday, December 31, 2021, the two defendants and three female friends attended the home address of the victim in Heath Road, Walkford.

While inside the address, the two teenage boys became angry and punched holes in the wall.

Shortly afterwards, the three girls decided to leave the address and walked back toward Ringwood Road.

Around 15 minutes later, the two male defendants caught up with the group outside Walkford Stores and during this time, Jones admitted that they had just stabbed Mr Reeve. It was said that Hindley stabbed him in the leg, while Jones said that he stabbed the victim in the ribs.

Bournemouth Echo:

At around 7.55pm on Tuesday, January 4, Dorset Police received a call raising concern for the welfare of Edward Reeve, as he had not been seen for a few days.

Officers attended, with the ambulance service, and located the body of Mr Reeve inside the address with significant injuries.

An investigation was subsequently launched by detectives from the MCIT.

A post-mortem examination established that Mr Reeve died as a result of multiple stab wounds and incised wounds.

Detectives carried out enquiries into the movements of the victim and established that he did not use his phone or make any bank transactions after New Year’s Eve.

Following enquiries, the two boys were arrested on Thursday, January 6, and Friday, January 7, in connection with the incident. A 16-year-old girl from the Christchurch area who was previously arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released from the investigation and will face no further police action in relation to this incident.

As part of the investigation, a forensic examination of clothing and footwear that belonged to the defendants found blood staining that matched the DNA profile of Edward Reeve.

At the sentencing hearing, the judge commended the investigation by Dorset Police.

If you are interested in court and crime news, stay up to date with all our latest updates in our dedicated Facebook group. To find out more and to join click here.