Man convicted of Lewisham murder following meticulous investigation by detectives

A man who killed an acquaintance and left his body concealed in a derelict building has been convicted of murder after detectives built a meticulous case against him.

Investigating officers painstakingly pieced together CCTV, witness accounts, forensic and digital evidence, telecommunications enquiries and the movements of Daniel Watkis before and after Junior Coleman was murdered. This combination of diligent investigative work established that Watkis was responsible.

Watkis, 30, was found guilty on Friday, 10 July following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Soren, who led the investigation, said: “Junior Coleman was a much-loved son, brother, father and friend whose life mattered deeply to those who knew him. Today my thoughts are firmly with everyone who knew and loved him. Throughout this investigation, Mr Coleman’s family have shown remarkable dignity, patience and strength. Nothing can undo their loss, but I hope today’s verdict provides them with some measure of justice as they continue to grieve.

“This was a complex investigation that relied on the determination and professionalism of detectives and forensic specialists who painstakingly pieced together hundreds of individual lines of enquiry over many months. They reviewed extensive CCTV, analysed digital and telecommunications evidence, traced Watkis’ movements, secured crucial forensic opportunities - building a case that ensured Mr Coleman’s family finally received the answers they deserved.

“Today’s verdict means Daniel Watkis has been held accountable for taking Mr Coleman’s life. It also sends a clear message that those responsible for the most serious crimes cannot rely on time, concealment or deception to escape justice. No matter how complex an investigation may be, we will continue to pursue every available line of enquiry to ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.”

Mr Coleman, 43, was beaten to death by Watkis on the evening of Wednesday, 9 July at the former Brockley Social Club on Brockley Road in Lewisham where both men had been sleeping rough.

Earlier that day CCTV had captured both men walking together towards the social club. Mr Coleman was wearing the same clothing later found on his body.

Watkis returned to the venue shortly before 23:00hrs, after which Mr Coleman – who was already inside – was fatally attacked. Forensic evidence indicated he was attacked in one part of the room where he was found before his body was moved and concealed.

CCTV then showed Watkis at around 23.40hrs walking along Brockley Road, having left the social club. He was seen glancing back towards the building.

In the early hours of the morning he stopped using his usual mobile phone number and weeks later he reported his bank card - which was later found next to Mr Coleman’s body - as stolen. He also discouraged others from reporting Junior missing.

But concern for Mr Coleman was growing and he was reported missing by his family.

On 19 September, as part of their enquiries into Mr Coleman’s disappearance, officers carried out at search at the former social club. Mr Coleman’s body was found concealed beneath a tarpaulin and other items in a rear bar area.

Items belonging to Watkis, including his bank card, Freedom Pass, and provisional driving licence were found close to Mr Coleman’s body. His bank card and Freedom Pass had last been used on 9 July.

A water bottle found nearby was also forensically linked to Watkis.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Coleman had died from blunt force trauma to his head and face. His injuries were consistent with repeated heavy blows from a blunt object.

Watkis was arrested on suspicion of murder on 24 September at his address in Hackney. In interview, he largely answered “no comment”. He denied murdering Mr Coleman and at times denied even knowing him, despite evidence that the two men had spent time together and both stayed at the former social club.

He was charged with murder two days later.

Watkis will be sentenced at the same court on 9 October.