A man has been found guilty of murder following a violent attack at an address in Bournemouth.
Alex Banda, aged 28 and of Poole, was convicted on Wednesday 24 May 2023 following a trial at Winchester Crown Court. The jury found that he murdered 47-year-old Daniel Upson at an address in Frances Road on the night of Friday 16 December 2022.
Banda was also found guilty of a charge of assault relating to an attack on another man at the address on the same night. He will return to court to be sentenced on Thursday 25 May 2023.
At around 11.45pm on the night in question the victim, who lived in a shared accommodation block, went to the room of another resident where he found the defendant present, as well as the man who lived there and another woman.
Banda accused Mr Upson of stealing drugs from him and proceeded to subject his victim to a sustained assault, repeatedly punching him before kicking him to the head area and stamping on him.
Banda then went to a different room in the building, where he assaulted another man aged in his 40s by punching him.
Upson was left unconscious in the room where he had been assaulted and police were alerted the next morning when he was found unresponsive.
Enquiries were carried out that identified Banda as the man responsible for the assault. He was traced to an address in Wareham, where he was arrested.
Blood staining was found on the defendant’s trainers, that was found to be a match for Mr Upson, as well as on the sleeve of his jacket.
A post mortem examination found the victim had sustained a fractured jaw and numerous injuries to his head. The pathologist concluded that the cause of Mr Upson’s death was the combined effects of his head injuries and drug intoxication.
Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Alex Banda subjected his victim Daniel Upson to a brutal and sustained assault, continuing his attack even after his victim had apparently been knocked unconscious.
“His violent actions had fatal consequences and our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Mr Upson.
“While nothing will make up for their tragic loss, thanks to the initial response of officers to identify and locate the defendant, as well as the dedicated work of detectives to compile evidence and build the case against him, we have at least been able to bring Banda to justice for his offending.
“I want to praise the witnesses who gave attended court and gave evidence for their support.
“I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service for their assistance in bringing the case against the defendant and securing these convictions.”
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