Man murdered 36-year-old after 'offensive' comment

4:52pm Friday 4th July 2008

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A West Molesey man has been found guilty of murdering a 36-year-old who offended him at a Sutton party.

Joseph Greenland, 33, from Faraday Road, was convicted of shooting Sean Jenkins - known to friends and family as Stretch - and told he would serve at least 30 years in jail at the Old Bailey today.

“Sean Jenkins is spoken about in glowing terms by all who knew him and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Detective Inspector John Crossley

The court heard Greenland was so enraged by a comment made by Mr Jenkins at a party in Newstead Walk, Carshalton, he drove the 26 miles home to collect a gun.

The jury was told despite a one hour trip home, Greenland had not calmed down and returned to the party with the firearm and sat in an armchair.

Then without saying a word the scaffolder stood up at 4.30am and fired six shots at Mr Jenkins, two fired once he had collapsed on the floor.

Mr Jenkins, from Whitlock Drive, was rushed to St Helier Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Police said Greenland had tried to intimidate and bribe witnesses in an attempt to prevent his conviction.

Detective Inspector John Crossley, from the Met's Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "It was clear from the start of the investigation that witnesses at the party were lying to the police and throughout this investigation Greenland tried to intimidate and bribe witnesses.

"Thanks to the support offered by investigation team, these witnesses have shown the courage that has today seen justice be delivered for Sean and his family.

"In convicting Greenland, the jury have taken a violent, manipulative criminal with a short temper and access to firearms from the streets. The communities of South London and Surrey are undoubtedly safer following this verdict.

"Sean Jenkins is spoken about in glowing terms by all who knew him and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Greenland will return to the Old Bailey at a later date for sentencing.