Rochford Murder Conviction

A MAN has been found guilty of murder following the death of a “much-loved” father of two in Rochford.

Perry Coulson, 39 of Lesney Gardens, Rochford appeared at Basildon Crown Court on July 21, where a jury unanimously found him guilty of murder.

A murder investigation was launched on Friday, November 25, 2022, following reports of a man being seriously assaulted at an address in Lesney Gardens in Rochford at around 8:30am. The victim, 32-year-old Dominic Clark-Ellingford was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found Coulson outside the front of the property sitting in a car.

Enquiries showed that following the assault, Coulson walked to his neighbour’s house with blood on his clothing and asked to use their phone. Coulson then called his mother to say that he and Dominic had been in a fight and saying, “He is dead, I’m sorry.”

After being arrested, Coulson was interviewed and refused to comment to any of the questions he was asked.

The investigation, led by Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, involved reviewing CCTV and speaking to multiple witnesses, including understanding the connection between the victim and the suspect.

Enquiries revealed how Coulson and Dominic had known each other for around 20 years, having both grown up in Rochford and that they had recently become closer friends.

Coulson was charged with murder on 27 November and remanded into custody. After a seven-day trial, Coulson was found guilty of murder. He will appear at Basildon Crown Court on Friday 11 August for sentencing.

Det Chief Insp Julie Gowen, senior investigating officer for the investigation, said: “This was a horrendous assault, where a father of two lost his life.

“Our serious crime directorate have remained committed to this investigation, dedicating hundreds of hours of work to carry out enquiries and secure justice for Dominic’s family.

“I hope that today’s conviction provides them with a form of closure, so they can move forward as a family.”

During the trial, Mr Clark-Ellingford’s family paid tribute to him saying: “Dominic was a much-loved son, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and father.

“He was a doting father to his two young children. They adored their time together enjoying adventurous days out, playing board games, listening to music & singing. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for them.

“Dominic was a loving son to me and his father and he shared our sense of humour. We will miss the sound of his infectious laugh so much. He was funny and kind to all that knew him.

“Dominic was a music lover and he co-wrote a tribute song to a close friend who passed away.

“Dominic had the chance of a promising future in counselling and therapy, dealing with people struggling with addiction. He had gained a certificate in this field and was working towards his goals in life which has now been taken from him.

“He was highly thought of and losing him has not just affected our family but his friends, workmates and everyone who was lucky enough to know him. His loss has left a massive void which will never be filled.

“His children are utterly devastated and now face a future without their daddy in their lives.

“The family would like to thank all at Essex Police, from the first responders to the team of detectives that worked to secure a conviction and deliver justice for Dominic.”

Picture: Face of killer convicted of murdering Rochford dad-of-two. Pic: Essex Police.

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