Man convicted of Weymouth murder

Nicholas Price, 43 and of Weymouth, was found guilty at Winchester Crown Court on Monday 9 May 2016 following an eight-day trial. He was also convicted of attempted murder.

Price was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on Thursday 12 May at the same court.

The court heard that on Saturday 7 November 2015, Price met up with Abdal, who was aged 23 from London and originally from Jordan, and two of the victim’s friends aged 20 and 16 and invited them to his flat on Bath Street.

Abdal and his two friends intended to return to London that evening, but missed their train so Price offered to let the three of them stay over in his flat, the court was told. The atmosphere had been good-natured and at some point Abdal had gone to buy them all food.

Over the course of the evening Abdal and his two male friends had fallen asleep on the living room sofa. They were woken when Price began shouting ‘you’re police’ at Adbal’s 20-year-old friend. Price then hit the friend in the face and head with a hammer and a knife.

Abdal tried to calm Price down, but was fatally stabbed once in the chest.

The 20-year-old man sustained serious injuries and was taken to Dorset County Hospital for treatment.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Mark Samuel, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “This was a violent attack resulting in a tragic and avoidable death and our thoughts today are with Abdal’s family at this traumatic time.

“I would like to recognise the dedication and commitment shown by the investigating team from MCIT, the prosecuting counsel and the CPS during this difficult case.”