Two men have been found guilty of murdering Steven Murphy

Alexander Dewar, 24, of St James Road, Blackpool, and Andrew Cameron, 28, of no fixed abode, were convicted by a jury at Norwich Crown Court today, Friday 17 December, following a six-week trial.

Andrew’s father James Cameron, 53, of Three Rivers Walk, Elgin, Morayshire, was found guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr Murphy.

The three men, who had denied the charges, are due to be sentenced at Norwich Crown Court this afternoon.

Mr Murphy was murdered on 30 September 2009, at his home address in King’s Road, Fakenham.

Police were called to the address on 1 October where the body of the 45-year-old was discovered. A post mortem revealed Mr Murphy had died from stab wounds.

A murder enquiry was launched by the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team (MIT) and enquiries led officers to James Cameron who had fallen out with the deceased some months earlier.

The breakthrough in the investigation came when officers recovered a text message from James Cameron’s phone sent to his son Andrew on the day of the murder which contained offensive references to Mr Murphy.

This led police to Andrew Cameron and his friend Dewar who were living in Blackpool. Having identified these men as suspects, officers pieced together their movements on the day of the murder. Detectives were also able to locate witnesses who had received information from the men about their involvement in the murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Jes Fry, who led the investigation, said: “The investigation was particularly difficult as the offenders directly involved had no ties to the local area and through their awareness of forensic science had not left any evidence at the scene. My team showed determination and tenacity in bringing this case to a successful conclusion, working closely with Norfolk Crown Prosecution Service.

I would like to thank Mr Murphy’s family for their support and faith in my team throughout the protracted investigation.”

 

Sentence update

Andrew Cameron for murder sentenced to Life to serve a minimum of 25 years. Conspiracy sentenced to 15 years. Sentences to run concurrently.

Alexander Dewar for murder sentenced to Life to serve a minimum of 25 years. GBH section 18 and other offences from Blackpool sentenced to 8 years. Sentences to run concurrently.

James Cameron sentenced to 15 years for Conspiracy.

 

Statement from family of Steven Murphy

Steven was a beautiful son, a loving brother and a proud father. He was brutally murdered in his home, where he was tragically found by his adoring mum.

The people behind this act are violent and evil and today they have been brought to justice.

This is an important milestone to enable our family to move forward and as a family we would like to use this opportunity to thank DCI Fry and his team who have been diligent, professional and when appropriate, sensitive in their quest for justice.

We would also like to thank the large number of people who came to Steven’s funeral service and to thank those who have helped and supported us.

The press have respected our privacy and we request that this will continue.