Man jailed for life for the murder of Daniel Pitham in Bedworth

It was following a six week trial at Warwick Crown Court.

A man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years for murder after he stabbed Daniel Pitham to death following an argument at his house in Bedworth in May last year.

John Robert Allison, 36, of Bulkington Road, Bedworth was found guilty of murder following a six week trial at Warwick Crown Court on 17 February. He had previous pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

The court heard that Allison stabbed 33-year-old Daniel Pitham five times following the argument on 4 May 2019.

Daniel, who also lived in Bedworth, died from one of the stab wounds.

Following the attack, Allison and his friend Scott Warner rolled Daniel up in a carpet and put him under the stairs.

Police attended the scene on Monday 6 May after Daniel’s family raised concern for his safety.

Detectives from the Warwickshire Police Major Investigation Unit began an investigation and quickly identified Allison as a suspect.

On 8 May, Allison handed himself into police following a wanted appeal and he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Anna Middleton, who led the investigation, said: “The murder of Daniel Pitham was a horrific crime that shocked the local community.

“Allison has shown no remorse during the investigation or trial. Following the incident, with the help of his partner and friend, he attempted to obstruct and frustrate the police investigation by trying to cover their tracks.

“The loss of Daniel in such tragic circumstances is something his family will never get over. They have acted with integrity throughout the investigation and legal proceedings, despite the pain they must have been feeling from their loss. I would like to thank them for their support.”

Two more sentenced for perverting the course of justice

John Allison’s partner, Toni Allison, 34, of Springfield Crescent, Bedworth, was jailed for 12 months after she was found guilty of two counts of perverting the course of justice.

Following the incident Toni exchanged texts with John about the incident. She then disposed of her phone and advised John to do the same in order to cover his tracks.

Scott Warner, 36, of Missing Oak Close, Bedworth, was jailed for 36 months having previously pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Statement released by Daniel’s family following the conviction

“Danny was a well-loved person; by his family and friends. He was a fantastic son, brother and friend to many. The taking of Danny’s life has left a huge hole in our lives that can never be filled. We are devastated by our loss and miss him greatly.

“He was our first born child and he has been taken from us in the most cruel and horrific way. Our lives will never be the same again, and we are struggling to move on without him. Danny was taking the first steps on the road to regaining his independence, and had already been through so much. This has now been snatched from him and he will now never have the chance to fulfil his goals, aspirations and dreams.  He has missed out on meeting his first nephew and will never have the chance to be the uncle that he was so looking forward to being.

“We hope this never happens to any other family and that they don’t have to suffer like we have. This is a real life representation of how devastating the consequences of knife crime are, and we as parents hope that this can be a lesson for others.

“We would like to thank our friends, family and Danny’s close friends in the local community for their kindness and compassion.  We would also like to thank Warwickshire Police for their ongoing help and support.

“Danny's family has asked that their privacy is respected and that they are left alone to grieve at this difficult time.”