A 30-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering a 'much-loved father' by beating him to death and concealing his body under a tarpaulin in a derelict building in south-east London. Daniel Watkis killed Junior Ryan Coleman, 43, on July 9, 2024, at the former Brockley Social Club in Lewisham, where both men had been sleeping rough.
CCTV Evidence and Timeline
CCTV footage captured both men walking together towards the social club earlier that day, with Mr Coleman wearing the same clothing later found on his body. Watkis returned to the venue shortly before 11pm, after which Mr Coleman – who was already inside – was fatally attacked. He was assaulted in one part of the room before his body was moved and concealed. At around 11.40pm that day, CCTV showed Watkis walking along Brockley Road and glancing back towards the social club building.
Trial and Verdict
Watkis was found guilty of murder on Tuesday following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court. Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Soren, who led the investigation, said: 'Junior Coleman was a much-loved son, brother, father and friend whose life mattered deeply to those who knew him. Today my thoughts are firmly with everyone who knew and loved him. Throughout this investigation, Mr Coleman’s family have shown remarkable dignity, patience and strength. Nothing can undo their loss, but I hope today’s verdict provides them with some measure of justice as they continue to grieve.'
DCI Soren added: 'This was a complex investigation that relied on the determination and professionalism of detectives and forensic specialists who painstakingly pieced together hundreds of individual lines of enquiry over many months. They reviewed extensive CCTV, analysed digital and telecommunications evidence, traced Watkis’ movements, secured crucial forensic opportunities - building a case that ensured Mr Coleman’s family finally received the answers they deserved.'
Post-Murder Behaviour
On the morning after the murder, Watkis stopped using his usual mobile phone number. Weeks later, he reported his bank card — which was later found next to Mr Coleman’s body — as stolen. He also discouraged others from reporting Junior missing, according to the Metropolitan Police. Concern for Mr Coleman grew, and he was reported missing by his family on August 20. His body was discovered by officers searching the former social club on September 19, concealed beneath a tarpaulin and other items in a bar area.
Forensic Evidence
Items belonging to Watkis, including his bank card, Freedom Pass, and provisional driving licence, were found close to Mr Coleman’s body. His bank card and Freedom Pass had last been used on July 9. A water bottle found nearby was forensically linked to Watkis. A post-mortem examination revealed that Mr Coleman died from blunt force trauma to his head and face, consistent with repeated heavy blows from a blunt object.
Arrest and Charges
Watkis was arrested on suspicion of murder on September 24 at his address in Hackney. In interview, he largely answered 'no comment'. He denied murdering Mr Coleman and at times denied even knowing him, despite evidence that the two men had spent time together and both stayed at the former social club. He was charged with murder two days later. DCI Soren concluded: 'Today’s verdict means Daniel Watkis has been held accountable for taking Mr Coleman’s life. It also sends a clear message that those responsible for the most serious crimes cannot rely on time, concealment or deception to escape justice. No matter how complex an investigation may be, we will continue to pursue every available line of enquiry to ensure those responsible are brought before the courts.'
Watkis will be sentenced at the same court on October 9.
