Killer Justin Clarke will receive a life sentence this morning (Wednesday) for murdering a man nearly 25 years ago.
Clarke shot dead Paul Milburn during a drug dealing sting in a quiet country lane on the edge of St Albans in Hertfordshire.
Following the killing in April 1993 Clarke, then 37 years old, went on the run and fled to Germany, becoming one of Britain’s most wanted criminals.
A spokesperson for the police said after the case “Following the shooting the then 37 year old went on the run and was eventually traced to Berlin following work by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit. He was arrested in February 2016 under a European Arrest Warrant and extradited back to the UK in September of the same year.”
Clarke was also found guilty of conspiracy to defraud and supply of a controlled drug (Class B).
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit led the investigation and said: “Paul Milburn was defenceless, he didn’t have any weapon and as he attempted to flee the scene he was chased and shot at point blank range before his killer Justin Clarke went on the run to escape justice.
“This case proves how we will never give up on seeking justice for victims’ families no matter how long ago the offence occurred. Not only did Justin Clarke do everything in his power to escape being arrested he has subsequently refused to engage in the court process. I am pleased he has now been sentenced for this horrendous crime and I hope this brings some form of comfort to Paul’s family, although it will never bring him back.”
The Judge was bound by sentencing guidelines in force at the time of the offence.
The family of Paul Milburn has released a statement following the sentencing today (31st January) of a man for his murder:
“As a family we are pleased with the verdict. We never thought that Justin Clarke would ever face a trial for what he did to Paul.
“The many years that he has avoided the police have been a constant reminder of Paul’s death. We have been at court listening throughout the trial and we now have many questions that were unanswered, answered.
“We would like to thank the police for the hard work and efforts put in over the years. The determination to locate and arrest Justin Clarke has been very impressive and we are very grateful. The result provides justice for our family.”
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