BREAKING NEWS: Man jailed for life for killing friend

Michael Wayne Carroll was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court today (Monday, April 29). He was given life imprisonment and told he will serve a minimum of seven years and be treated under the Mental Health Act.

Carroll (44), of Upper Greenhill Gardens, Matlock, had denied the manslaughter of Alexander Blick, from Matlock Bath, but was found guilty following a seven-day trial at the same court.

Mr Blick’s body was found by a resident in the grounds of Matlock library on October 16, 2011. He had suffered a massive head injury.

Police began to piece together Mr Blick’s last movements and discovered that he had spent the previous day drinking with Carroll in the town.

They later found the 42-year-old’s blood on Carroll’s shoes and clothing.

Sentencing Carroll, Judge Michael Stokes QC said: “You intended to kill Mr Blick and there is a great deal of evidence to suggest you knew what you were doing.

“Despite your illness and the use of drink and drugs I am driven to conclude your mind was working sufficiently well to take elementary steps to cover up your actions and this is not usually the case in cases of diminished responsibility.

“I am also satisfied that the doctors have identified a personality disorder.”