Flatmate Gets Life For £240 Drugs Money Murder

A drug addict, who murdered his terrified flatmate then used his bank card to withdraw £240, is starting a minimum thirty-year life sentence.

Glasgow native Richard Hamilton, 46, (pic.top) became a recluse in his own room at the flat he shared with Matthew Tinling, 25, (pic.bottom) as a result of threats and intimidation.

An Old Bailey jury convicted Tinling of murdering Mr. Hamilton, who he repeatedly stabbed in the neck, at the property in Shirland Road, Maida Vale, West London, last year.

Both men had been housed by a charity and it was the first time in years Mr. Hamilton had a place he could call home.

The pair had separate rooms in the flat and CCTV footage captured Tinling leaving the property fifteen minutes before the cash was withdrawn from Mr. Hamilton's account.

Mr. Hamilton's body was found on April 9.

Tinling confessed to an associate he had murdered Mr. Hamilton and forensic evidence also linked him to the crime.

Detective Inspector Colette Smyth said: "Matthew Tinling used brutal violence to murder Richard Hamilton, so he could obtain funds from Richard's bank accounts to feed his daily drug habit.

“He inflicted fear and intimidation on Richard to the extent that he became a recluse in his own room in the weeks prior to his murder.

This was in a place where for the first time in a long time Richard could call home. 



"It is the consequences of Matthew Tinling's violence that will live with Richard's family forever.

“At this time our thoughts are with Richard's family and those who loved him.

“I would like to thank those witnesses who bravely came forward and gave evidence in this trial."