Justice for Duane

On the 14 March 2011, my 27 year old son Duane King, was arrested at gunpoint, in the local council offices in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, on suspicion of murdering a local man, David Williams.

Duane had been finalising a council tenancy at the council offices and had known David Williams only briefly.  Three other people were also arrested, one being the former partner of David Williams.

But as the investigation proceeded, they collaborated on their stories and became police witnesses. Duane was charged with murder on Thursday 17 March 2011, just 4 days into a murder investigation. He was formally charged on Monday 21 March 2011. Duane’s baby daughter was born on the 14 August 2011, while he was in prison waiting for the trial. He has never held her. Duane was convicted of murder on 14 October 2011, on a combination of circumstantial and unscientific evidence. He has been sentenced to 28 years. I have launched this campaign to win an appeal for Duane, who has a new team of solicitors to fight his case. Below are more details of what led to this injustice.

Background information

David Williams was murdered on 11 March 2011. He was attacked in his own home at 3, Leicester Ave, Gaywood, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. The assailant/s used 3 weapons. 1) a martial arts kendo stick. 2) a samurai sword. 3) a kitchen knife. All 3 weapons belonged to the deceased. All 3 weapons were found at the scene of the crime, along with a  hammer.

David Williams died as a result of multiple stab wounds. He was found by his mother on the 12th of March 2011, he had until recently been the partner of, and living with Paula Sadd. Police had been called to their address numerous times due to the deceased’s volatile and drunken behaviour. Ms Sadd “suspect a” had made threats to the deceased and told others that she wanted him “done”. She denied having anything to do with the murder, and was bailed. David Williams had earlier forced her to leave his house on the 8th March 2011, and she now lives at a women’s refuge. At the time of his death there was a custody battle over their 1 year old son.

Duane had come to know her and the deceased through his girlfriend Lizzie, who had been invited by “suspect a” to stay at the house. Lizzie was pregnant with Duane’s baby and unhappy at home. Duane would stay at the deceased’s house whenever his girlfriend stayed over. They stayed at the house from January 2011 till February 14th 2011. Duane secured a council property in late February 2011.

Events leading up to the arrest suspect a

Paula Sadd age 36 (at time of press) is living in a women’s refuge in Great Yarmouth. She denied killing David Williams, and was subsequently bailed pending further questioning.

Paula Sadd met David Williams in a homeless hostel in 2008. Soon after she moved into the deceased’s home with her two children, a boy and a girl from a previous relationship. She is now the mother of a third child with David Williams, born February 2010. Williams was given custody of the baby. One of the weapons used to kill him – a samurai sword – had been given to him as a gift by “suspect a”. In court – she said her relationship with the deceased was happy. But evidence revealed police had attended their address on numerous occasions, due to the deceased’s volatile and drunken behaviour. On one of those telephone records the deceased told the dispatch operator, she was trying to stab him.

She confirmed to the court that, on the 6 March 2011, Duane visited mr Williams address to collect the remaining property he’d left behind since moving out. As maintained by Duane throughout, it was on this occasion that a laundry bag, containing unwashed items of his clothing were returned to him by mr Williams. In this laundry bag, police found a t-shirt with 3 small spots of blood DNA, although not visible to the naked eye, it tested positive  for blood DNA that matched the deceased’s.

However results of forensic/DNA testing of the t-shirt showed that the full DNA profiles of at least three other individuals – including the deceased’s – were present on the inside collar, and also the underarms of this garment.

Suspect b – Daniel Pearson:
Age 27 (at time of press) from Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Was arrested on Sunday 13 March 2011. On conspiracy to commit murder. Pearson knew David Williams, and had been a visitor to his house. Their relationship had become very hostile in the days leading up to the murder.

Pearson is a small time local drug dealer, is known to the police and known to carry weapons including knives. Described in court as paranoid. Pearson had come to know Duane having met him at the house of George Ndubsi. Pearson did not consider himself a friend of mr Williams but had accepted £20 from him to supply him with marijuana after Duane had put them in touch. But after taking the money He did not supply the drugs.

The court heard he and Williams had rowed and the deceased threatened to smash Daniel Pearson’s head in with a hammer. Shortly afterwards David Williams then visited Pearson’s house and smashed in his windows with a hammer. Pearson claims Duane confessed to the murder during a trip to have breakfast.

Duane claimed he had observed Pearson hide a knife under a paving slab. (Police found this hidden knife exactly where Duane saw Pearson hiding it) but DNA fingerprints could not be found.

There was extensive soil like debris on it. Pearson became agitated at the hearing and told the court, that on Friday 11 March 2011, he was at his father’s house all night and never left the house. But CCTV footage proved he had left, and returned to his father’s house during the evening. He denied murdering David Williams.

Suspect c – George Ndubsi:
Age 30 (At time of press) from Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Arrested on Thursday the 17th of March 2011, on suspicion of assisting an offender. He was subsequently bailed pending further questioning. George Ndubsi, who had moved from london to Kings Lynn in 2009, also knew David Williams, but had not been a visitor to his house. But Ndubsi and Pearson have been friends and associates for several years.

Duane was a newcomer/outsider to this group. And had only come to know Ndubsi three months earlier when he moved to Kings Lynn.

Following the arrest of George Ndubsi on Thursday 17 March 2011, Duane was charged. All throughout the investigation George Ndubsi has changed and altered his statements. Each of his statements contradict the other.

The judge declared him a “compulsive liar” and added that nothing he said, could be believed. Ndubsi also claimed Duane “confessed” to him. He and the other witnesses all admitted in court to interacting all throughout and during the trial with each other.

Prosecution witness.  Sam Smythe. Age 22 (at time of press) from Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Son of a prison guard. A best friend to Daniel Pearson. Later alleged that Duane also “confessed” to him. He squirmed and fidgeted in the witness box with his hand behind his back and his fingers crossed – i know this as i was sat right behind him in court 4. He believed his girlfriend had been seeing Duane behind his back.

William Mills. Age 26. From Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Knew David Williams but disliked the man. Mills is a best friend to Danny Pearson and forms part of a group. He is known to the police, and has a history of criminal behaviour.

Mills confirmed to the court that on Friday 11 March 2011, he was in a barbershop getting his hair cut. He confirmed that Danny Pearson was with him, that he was shown a text message on Pearson’s mobile phone, saying that his windows had been smashed in, and that David Williams was identified as the culprit. When asked in court if they were so angry, that they planned to go round to mr Williams house and sort him out William Mills replied’, yeah you could say that. Mills also admitted and recalled that he’d cut his hand one evening after he randomly smashed a ladder through a car window.

His explanation for doing so was, ‘he just felt like it,’ and he was feeling drunk. (The reason behind this questioning was to indicate how a spot of contact blood from an otherwise unknown person, came to be on one of Duane’s sweatshirts.) as later on in the day when Duane met William Mills he needed to restrain him to stop him from attacking a man.

Miss Siobhan Kavanagh. Witness for defense.
Miss Kavanagh, the former wife of George Ndubsi with whom she shares a son, gave a detailed witness statement to the police early on in the investigation. The evidence she gave in court confirmed Duane’s recall of his movements on the evening of the 11 March 2011.

She said Duane arrived at the family home – where she had been paying a visit – at approx 7:30pm and left a few minutes before 8 pm. This was the time police believe David Williams was murdered. This is based partly their assumption that a shadowy blob seen on CCTV was the murderer.

She told the court that she had seen Duane on 3 separate occasions during the evening on Friday 11th of March 2011: first outside a local supermarket, whereby Duane helped to load her shopping into the car for her. then outside a house where George’s friend lived, as Duane had agreed to help George to carry and load exercise weights he was collecting, then again at 7.30 at George Ndubsi’s house.

Other important evidence ignored by police judge and jury. Duane has an alibi as is documented in police interviews. There is not one witness who saw Duane, or anyone who looks remotely like him, at the deceased’s address on the day or time that police say the murder took place.

There are no witnesses, and no evidence, to ever suggest Duane had any premeditated or hostile intentions to harm David Williams in any way. There is no DNA/forensic evidence at the crime scene to justify police accusations against Duane, or justify his conviction. The local postman, on his early shift, delivered 2 letters through mr Williams letterbox on Saturday morning on the 12th March 2011, he states the front door of 3, Leicester Avenue, was definitely shut. Recalling the letterbox is a brush type, and had to push very firmly to get the letters through.

The policeman, who first attended the deceased’s address hours after the postman, on Saturday the 12th March 2011, states the front door was open. And recalls waiting until his colleague arrived, because there were dogs inside the property barking. Photographic evidence of the deceased’ hallway show that indeed 2 letters had been posted ‘through’ the letterbox that morning.

Leicester Ave, shares an entrance with 3 other houses. A porch light above the door of no: 3, did not indicate mr Williams opened his door to a visitor. Police admit they cannot determine what time mr Williams was killed. Timing of  murder is based only on shadow/blob image on CCTV. A hammer with blood on it was also at the crime scene.

The case against Duane was built around circumstantial evidence, and flimsy hearsay, from unreliable suspects who became informants/police witnesses and appear to have colluded to corroborate their stories. To conclude that Duane King murdered David Williams, because the deceased said something ‘inappropriate’ over 6 weeks ago to his girlfriend; or that, as has been alleged, he murdered him on behalf of Daniel Pearson because David Williams smashed his windows, is absurd.

Duane cooperated fully with police. Evidence of strong and obvious motives of the other suspects was ignored. Police admitted  in court that it was impossible to identify the shadow/blob on the CCTV – or even distinguish its sex. There is not even any evidence to show this figure had been to number 3 leicester Ave. A porch light above the front door did not indicate that mr Williams had opened his door to a visitor.

At the trial Paula Sadd told the court’, she went to the deceased home on the 6th March 2011, and stayed at his home until the 8th March 2011. The court then heard that mr Williams ended their relationship, and immediately informed social services that she had breached her agreement re: her accommodation at the women’s refuge not to return to his home. Miss Sadd admitted in court she had made threats to the deceased. She also admitted making irrational calls to Duane to complain about Williams.

She admitted that an ongoing custody battle had been going on with Williams, who had claimed she had tried to harm their baby. Miss Sadd confirmed to the court, that on the 6th of March 2011, Duane visited mr Williams at home to collect the remaining property he had left behind since moving out.

When Daniel Pearson, was arrested on conspiracy to commit murder. He denied any involvement, and then alleged Duane had “confessed” to the killing of David Williams. He also alleged Duane threw mobile phones into the dyke.

The court was told, that Duane informed police he’d observed Pearson secretly hiding a knife on Saturday morning the 12th March 2011.  Police recovered the knife, where Duane told them it was, under a paving slab. Following this discovery, Pearson then alleged, it was while he was in the garden hiding the knife, that Duane, “confessed” to the murder.

The court was told Pearson had taken £20 from Williams and agreed to supply him with marijuana, after Duane had put them in touch. But Pearson, had no intentions of delivering the goods, and kept the money instead. David Williams consistently phoned to demand his money back, but Pearson ignored his calls. He then went to Pearson’s house and smashed in the windows with a hammer.

Pearson was with his friend ‘Will Mills’ in a barber shop, when he found out via a text message what Williams had done. Their immediate reactions were witnessed. The evidence of their intentions/threats to seek revenge on Williams, have been detailed in a statement by an independent witness and was read out in court.

George Ndubsi – also alleges Duane “confessed” to him. Claiming Duane came to his home on Friday 11th of March 2011 @ approx 8pm and said’, “i did it.” But he admitted in court that he had lied in a number of his previous statements. Including the statement of the alleged “confession,” which was made after Pearson was bailed, and had been to visit Ndubsi on Sunday the 13th March 2011. He told the court’, that when Daniel Pearson turned up unexpectedly, he first searched him for weapons before, allowing him into his home. He told the court that he did this because he knows Pearson carries weapons. He admitted in court to lying in several versions of events. The judge called him a “compulsive liar” and said: “nothing he says can be believed.”

Miss Siobhan Kavanagh (ex wife of George Ndubsi, and mother of his child) confirmed Duane’s statement about his movements on 11/03/2011, (see above). Miss Kavanagh told the court George was in his bedroom the entire time during Duanes visit.

Samuel Smythe. Best friend to Daniel Pearson, alleged that, Duane also “confessed” to him. He told the court Duane came up to him at the train station on Friday evening the 11th March 2011, and “confessed.” The court then heard, as Smythe recalled to the court’, that on 12th of March 2011, Daniel Pearson, turned up at his home uninvited saying he had something to tell him. Smythe described Pearson’s behaviour as being really strange and paranoid, adding that he was pacing up and down nervously, anxious, looking really worried about something.

Pearson was saying’, he has to get rid of his mobile phone, that he could be in a lot of trouble, and be going to prison for a very long time. Daniel Pearson told me he thinks ‘Duane’ might of killed someone. Police found the broken remains of Daniel Pearson’s mobile phone hidden in an upstairs bin during a police search of samuel Smythe’s house. Smythe denied knowing it was there.

The prosecutor then accused Duane of disposing of mr Williams phone by throwing it into a dyke. Also of throwing his own in by mistake and wading around in the dyke to find it. Duane has always denied this. Police could not produce any evidence to support their theory. In fact the dyke was drained and no phones were ever found there. There is also no evidence to suggest Duane had ‘waded’ either. The defence demonstrated with his arms to imitate ‘wading.’ Examinations only show that the sleeves/arms of Duane’s sweatshirt were clean and dry.

The prosecutor asked Duane if the room he stayed in at mr Williams house was secure, it was not secure, anyone could enter. The prosecutor asked Duane if he was aware that other people  had been wearing his clothes, and did he see David Williams wearing his t-shirt. Duane replied he couldn’t possibly know if other people had worn his clothes, and answered honestly that he had not seen David Williams wearing his t-shirt.

The prosecutor accused Duane of killing mr Williams and confessing to Pearson, Ndubsi, and Smythe. Duane denies any of this ever happened. The prosecutor asked Duane why then would three people allege you confessed. Duane replied ‘I don’t know why, that is not a question I can answer.’

A forensic expert told the court that: the blood on Duane’s t-shirt, does ‘not’ match the crime scene. And if, as she is led to believe, Duane is accused of wearing this t-shirt when the attack took place, that it is not possible that he also wore the hooded sweatshirt over the top as police allege. This was disregarded/ignored by police judge and jury.

Police then came up with a new theory, suggesting that Duane must have taken hooded sweatshirt off during the attack of David Williams, then allegedly continued his attack using the sword and kitchen knife. Then afterwards he allegedly put his sweatshirt back on.

The forensic expert told the court she believed this was not possible. If Duane’s sweatshirt had been pulled over his head, and put on again in the same way, the hoodie would also have been bloodied/soiled. This evidence was disregarded.

She went on to tell the court that DNA testing of the t-shirt revealed 3 small spots of blood on the chest area, testing positive for blood DNA that matches the deceased’s. But on the inside collar and underarms the evidence of at least 3 other peoples ‘full DNA profiles’ are present. Other matching  DNA to the deceased’s was also present.

But this was documented as inconclusive as all 14 components are not visible.(Meaning the deceased could have been wearing the t-shirt) she explained in great detail the various reasons why a full DNA profile may not be present and how it was possible the deceased had worn the t-shirt. This was disregarded/ignored by the jury – though it is possible they did not understand the implications of her evidence.

The overwhelming evidence that other people were likely to have been wearing Duane’s t-shirt, and very likely the deceased himself, during the 22 days of it being away from Duane’s possession was disregarded/ignored. The prosecutor accused Duane of going to 3, Leicester Avenue, and attacking mr Williams in his own home. Duane has always protested his innocence.

The police told the court it was impossible to determine time of death and conceded they had based this on CCTV footage. The police conceded there could have been more than one assailant based on the number of weapons used.

A police officer from the Norfolk constabulary divulged confidential sensitive information to defame Duane and spread information throughout the small community that Duane was the killer. This was all before anyone had seen forensic reports.

The Eastern Daily press and the Lynn News, printed biased and inaccurate reports of the trial. There had been repeated attempts to blacken Duane’s name, when he has no history of violence or aggression. Please join our campaign to win justice for Duane.

As a Mother I am inconsolable. There are no words yet invented, to adequately describe the pain I feel, or the emotions I struggle to control. I can not comprehend the living nightmare of this cruel sickening reality. With every passing minute that I am without my son, my heart breaks even more. my beloved son is being held hostage by the state, as our ‘so-called’ justice system practices ‘noble cause corruption’  With their belief that be it better that a few innocent men stay locked up in our jails than the integrity of our justice system be impugned.

I will never give up fighting against this intolerable ‘miscarriage of justice’ until all of those responsible are named, shamed and held accountable for this despicable crime. If you believe in justice, please show your support. I believe there are Angels’ who will guide me on this journey, whoever you are, I will embrace humanity kindness and expert help.

My precious beloved son, know that your family and loved ones all love and miss you desperately.  Please remain strong. You are constantly in our thoughts. With every step i take towards progress, I pray it brings me closer to justice and your rightful freedom. In my vision I see ‘the doors of justice opening’. I will be waiting there, you will see me, walk straight into my arms.