Patrick Clayton Jnr jailed for at least 23 years for ‘despicable’ murder of Jason Clark, 40

MURDERER: Patrick Clayton Jnr

A man found guilty of the murder of 40-year-old Jason Joseph Clark has today been sentenced to life in prison, and must serve a minimum of 23 years.

Patrick Sean Clayton Jnr, 26, was convicted on Friday, November 26 of brutally stabbing Mr Clark at least 15 times at a block of flats in Beech Close, off Coltman Street, west Hull, in March.

During the three-week trial, Clayton admitted killing Mr Clark while giving evidence. Coupled with what police described as “overwhelming” evidence gathered during their investigation, the jury returned their verdict in about an hour.

Detective Chief Inspector Grant Taylor of Humberside Police, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “No amount of time in prison for Patrick Clayton Jnr will ever bring back Jason Clark for his loved ones, but I hope now the case is finalised and sentence imposed, it goes some way to bringing his family and friends closure.

“It was a despicable and lawless crime, which he will now have plenty of time to reflect on behind bars.

“I’d like to thank Jason Clark’s family, the community and my team for their support throughout this investigation.”

Sentencing Clayton at Hull Crown Court, Judge John Thackray QC, Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, called the attack “cowardly”, “premeditated”, and on “someone with little chance to defend himself”.