A court ruling earlier this year at Wolverhampton Crown Court resulted in the sentencing of Carl Ellitts, a 26-year-old man, to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years. Ellitts was found guilty of the murder of 48-year-old Roy Deeley-Price, as well as the rape of two women, three violent robberies, and an assault with the intention to rob. The crimes were part of an alarming four-day rampage in Wolverhampton, during which Ellitts targeted vulnerable individuals in the community.
Ellitts’ violent spree began with the rape of a woman on St Peter’s Square in Wolverhampton in the early hours of May 26. The victim, who had approached Ellitts asking for a spliff, was led to some bushes where the assault took place. She managed to escape and sought help from a nearby nightclub bouncer.
Later that morning, Ellitts robbed a man who had shown kindness by offering him assistance and a pair of shoes. Ellitts demanded the man’s bank card and PIN, and they went to a bank where £180 was withdrawn under duress.
On the same day, Ellitts struck again, raping a second woman who approached him, believing he was homeless. She was taken to a secluded location where the assault occurred. Thankfully, she managed to escape and bravely reported the crime to a nearby shopkeeper.
The following day, May 27, Ellitts carried out another robbery, seizing a bag containing £60 from a victim whom he dragged along the floor.
Eventually, on May 28, Ellitts targeted Roy Deeley-Price, who he observed withdrawing cash from an ATM at a nearby petrol station. CCTV footage confirmed their interaction, followed by a physical altercation where Mr. Deeley-Price was overpowered. Ellitts repeatedly kicked, stamped, and assaulted Deeley-Price before leaving him unconscious on the street. He returned minutes later to continue the assault and eventually dragged the victim’s body into a nearby bush, where he was discovered the next day.
Investigators worked diligently on the case, collecting crucial CCTV evidence and interviewing witnesses. The evidence not only helped to convict Ellitts of Mr. Deeley-Price’s murder but also shed light on the other crimes he had committed during his violent four-day spree.
Ellitts’ capture was made possible through collaboration with the local community. Acting on information received, the police launched a manhunt and apprehended Ellitts on May 30. During questioning, he refused to provide any comment.
The court handed down a life sentence to Ellitts, who will serve a minimum of 27 years. However, the sentencing does little to alleviate the sorrow and loss experienced by the heartbroken family of Roy Deeley-Price. In a statement released after the ruling, the family expressed relief that the man responsible for their loved one’s murder was behind bars. Still, they stated that their lives would never be the same and that the pain would never fade completely.
The two women who were raped by Ellitts showed remarkable courage by testifying in court, leading to the convictions for all of his crimes. However, the psychological harm they suffered as a result of the attacks cannot be ignored. Both women experienced trauma, including flashbacks and anxiety, as a consequence of their encounters with Ellitts.
Carl Ellitts engaged in a horrifying string of crimes, resulting in the tragic death of Roy Deeley-Price and leaving a lasting impact on the lives of the survivors. The court’s decision to grant a life sentence emphasises the severity of his actions. The case highlights the need for communities to remain vigilant and supportive in the fight against criminality, as it was thanks to the assistance of the local residents and the diligence of the investigating officers that justice was ultimately served.
