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Breaking Bad-inspired murderer George Knights, jailed for life for killing Stephen Chapman in Rochester, appeals his sentence and conviction

17:03, 23 May 2022

updated: 17:15, 23 May 2022

A Breaking Bad-inspired murderer jailed for life for killing a dad and dumping his body in an acid-filled wheelie bin is appealing his sentence and conviction.

George Knights, who was obsessed with the American crime drama, was convicted of the brutal attack in June last year.

George Knights was convicted of murder last year
George Knights was convicted of murder last year

Knights, of Delce Road, Rochester stabbed dad-of-five Stephen Chapman after luring him to his home in October 2020.

Knights had turned his kitchen into a drugs factory to produce amphetamines and the pair met over the sale of drugs.

After plunging the knife into his victim's skull, he put the body into a wheelie-bin which he had carried up the road before dowsing it with acid - an incident which had been used in an episode from Breaking Bad.

The jury heard how Mr Chapman's body, disfigured by the acid, was discovered in the bin at Knights' home.

A family photo of Stephen Chapman released by relatives after his death Picture via Kent Police
A family photo of Stephen Chapman released by relatives after his death Picture via Kent Police

Knights, 19, denied murder but was found guilty after a jury at Maidstone Crown Court returned after just under six hours of deliberation.

He was jailed for life in January and told he would serve a minimum of 23 years before he could be considered for parole.

At the time of sentencing, Judge Statman told Knights: "During the trial I saw no remorse in you although there are some indications now you are having an understanding of the future."

The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed Knights has appealed both his sentence and conviction.

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