A MURDERER will serve at least 14 years in prison after brutally killing a man by repeatedly stamping on his head.

Alex Banda, 28 and of Poole, was handed a life sentence on Thursday, May 25, at Winchester Crown Court after being convicted of the murder of 47-year-old Daniel Upson.

He will serve a minimum term of 14 years.

The charge related to a violent and sustained attack on Mr Upson at Chapman's Hotel in Frances Road, Bournemouth, on the night of Friday, December 16, last year.

Bournemouth Echo: Alex Banda, 28 and of Poole, was convicted of murderAlex Banda, 28 and of Poole, was convicted of murder (Image: Dorset Police)

Banda was also found guilty of an assault relating to an attack on another man at the address on the same night.

During the trial, the jury heard how Banda had accused Mr Upson of stealing drugs from him and had launched a violent assault on his victim, punching him repeatedly before kicking him to the head area and stamping on him.

Mr Upson was left unconscious in the room and Banda then went into a different room in the shared accommodation building and assaulted another man by punching him.

Police were called the following morning after Mr Upson was found unresponsive.

Bournemouth Echo: Daniel UpsonDaniel Upson (Image: Family handout)

Following enquiries, Banda was arrested at an address in Wareham on Saturday, December 17, 2022.

Blood staining was found on his trainers, found to be a match for Mr Upson, as well as on the sleeve of his jacket.

After a post-mortem examination, a pathologist concluded the cause of Mr Upson’s death was the combined effects of his head injuries and drug intoxication.

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Upson at this time, and I would again like to thank all the officers, Crown Prosecution Service and witnesses who have helped to secure this conviction and sentence.”