The deceased, Jason Whincup, was stabbed repeatedly outside his home address just before 8.40am on the 31st August 2022. He succumbed to his injuries two days later.
The issue raised at trial by the Defence was identification. Compelling CCTV footage played at trial showed the Defendant’s journey on a bicycle from East Hull to West Hull and back again. On two pieces of footage, the Defendant’s face could be seen and from the stills, a police officer gave evidence that he had been able to identify him. This evidence, together with further evidence put before the jury from the Defendant’s iPhone and his second “burner” phone, pinpointed the Defendant in relevant locations on the day of the fatal attack but also on the 28th and 30th August when the defendant was carrying out reconnaissance. He had disguised himself throughout by wearing black clothing including a hoodie and a face covering. He later disposed of evidence including the murder weapon and the bicycle. The Prosecution case was that this was pre-meditated, planned, paid for killing. The jury heard that he had taken a photo of a large quantity of bank notes captioned “Another day, another dollar” just hours after the stabbing, before spending some of the cash on an expensive pair of trainers in St Stephen’s shopping centre the very same day.
The jury found the defendant guilty on Thursday afternoon after just under 1 1/2 hours of deliberation.
Robinson was sentenced by HHJ Thackray KC on Monday 27th March to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years. The Honorary Recorder of Hull and East Riding found that the offence was a murder for payment which meant the offence had a starting point minimum term of 30 years before any aggravating or mitigating factors were applied.
The prosecution team were instructed by CPS Yorkshire and Humberside. The defence were represented by Richard Wright KC leading Dale Brook on instructions by Barker Copeman Solicitors in Hull.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-65086206
https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/harley-robinson-serve-least-27-8294007
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/murderer-who-launched-frenzied-knife-29563366