Teenager sentenced after being convicted of murdering man in Ipswich in 2024

A teenager has been given a life sentence with a minimum term of 14 years in prison for murdering a 63-year-old man in Ipswich in December 2024.

Officers were called to an address in Hawthorn Drive shortly before 6pm on Wednesday 1 January 2025, where a man was found deceased within the property.

He was later identified as William McNicholl, known as Billy, aged 63 years and from Ipswich.

Following a Home Office post-mortem examination, the cause of death was determined to be head injuries and a stab wound to the right shoulder.

A murder inquiry into Billy’s death was launched, led by Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team.

On 22 January 2025 a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre (PIC) for questioning before being bailed with conditions.

In July the male – by then aged 18 - was re-arrested on suspicion of murder and once again taken to Martlesham PIC for questioning.

Jake McMillan, now aged 19, of Peterhouse Close, Ipswich, was subsequently charged with murder and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

On Friday 6 February, McMillan was found guilty of murder by a jury at Ipswich Crown Court.

Today, Thursday 23 April, McMillan was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 14 years in prison, inclusive of the time already spent in custody, before he can apply for parole. He was also handed a seven-month sentence to be served concurrently for being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs (cannabis).

During the trial the court heard that McMillan and Billy knew each other and had been in contact between June and December 2024, primarily for Billy to purchase drugs from the teenager.

McMillan admitted to visiting Billy’s home on Christmas Day, travelling on an electric bicycle that belonged to his father, remaining there for two hours.

It was alleged that while there he murdered Billy, something McMillan denied. CCTV showed that McMillan was the only person to have entered the immediate area of the home on the day that had not left within minutes. Finger and palm prints, as well as DNA, were also found in the property that matched McMillan’s. Footprints found in blood and on the victim’s t-shirt and back matched those of trainers seen being worn by McMillan in CCTV footage. The clothing and the trainers worn by McMillan on the day were never recovered. The murder weapon was also never recovered.

However, during drone searches, mobile phones belonging to Billy were found in the nearby River Orwell, close to the Sir Bobby Robson Bridge. Again, CCTV evidence was used to show McMillan had taken the route to the bridge after his visit to Billy, with GPRS data from a recovered phone confirming this.

McMillan was spoken to on a number of occasions by the police. Initially on 3 January 2025 as part of the police’s general enquiries, then on 22 January 2025, following his initial arrest on suspicion of Billy’s murder. He was interviewed and gave a prepared statement, in which he denied knowing anything about Billy’s death.

When he was re-arrested on 21 July 2025, he was interviewed again, where he gave a further prepared statement and, on this occasion, said that he had gone to Billy’s address to collect his rucksack. He claimed the door had been open and he went in and found Billy dead on the floor and panicked. He could not, however, explain why he stayed for two hours and admitted that when he left, he dumped Billy’s phone in the river before going home and then to his friend’s house.

Police were called to Billy’s home on New Years’ Day by a concerned friend as well as by a neighbour. The neighbour was concerned that Billy’s dog, Leo, had been howling and believed it had been locked in a bedroom, while Billy hadn’t answered when she had knocked at his door. Officers then attended and found Billy’s body.

McMillan maintained during the trial that he had only returned to Billy’s home on Christmas Day to pick up his rucksack, something he said he often did as it contained drugs and he did not want his family to find them at home. He also claimed he did not report finding Billy’s body as he panicked and was concerned about getting in trouble for drug dealing. He suggested this was why he had spent so long inside the property before leaving. 

Detective Inspector Mark Hughes of Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This is a tragic incident where a family have lost a loved one in horrific circumstances during a period which should be reserved for peace and happiness.

“A young man will now face a long period behind bars and life as a convicted murderer, knowing he was responsible for the death of another person. His imprisonment leaves his family having to face their own loss. 

“I must thank Billy’s family for their support during the investigation and the trial and their understanding as the case was meticulously pieced together.

“Today’s sentencing brings to a close over a year’s worth of investigative efforts. Officers and staff from a variety of different policing units across Suffolk and Norfolk have been involved.

“A large amount of evidence for the case focussed on CCTV and drone footage that was located and secured by our technical support unit and by our house-to-house teams. Their work ensured we were able to provide a timeline of McMillan’s movements that day and showed he was the only person at the crime scene and proved he had disposed of Billy’s mobile phones. This was all supported by the evidence recovered by our forensic teams.

“Sadly, we may never know why Billy was killed, but I am pleased we have been able to prove who was responsible and ensure that McMillan was brought before the court to face justice.”

No further action for trio arrested

Three people arrested on 1 April 2025 as part of the investigation will face no further action. A 17-year-old boy, 18-year-old man and 41-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Appeal from family

The family of Billy McNicholl have put out an appeal to locate a piece of jewellery that holds sentimental value. The item, a silver cross with a star in the middle, was pawned by Billy before his death. If possible, the family are keen to be reunited with the necklace. Anyone able to assist should email: jmit@norfolk.police.uk