A cowardly killer refused to attend court for a second time as a judge sentenced him to life for the murder of a vulnerable man. Ashley Crowder, 37, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday (August 6) for the murder of Graham Cox, 37, who was subjected to prolonged cruelty and exploitation.
Crowder, who was found guilty in June of murder, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and four counts of theft, was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years, minus time spent on remand, amounting to 24 years and 92 days.
Victim's suffering detailed
Judge Nicholas Clarke KC described how Crowder 'dominated and exploited' Mr Cox, repeatedly attacking him and stealing his benefits before killing him. Mr Cox, a father and former DJ, was found dead under a blanket on a sofa at Crowder's flat in Farnworth, Bolton, on March 4, 2024. He had multiple injuries, including 14 caused by a weapon.
In the weeks before his death, Mr Cox, who was severely disabled and physically weak, was repeatedly assaulted. The judge said Mr Cox's death was the result of the 'cumulative effects' of the violence, with the final act being strangulation, which the judge said was done with intent to kill.
No remorse shown
Crowder refused to enter the courtroom for the sentencing hearing, leaving the dock empty. Prosecutor Mukul Chawla KC said Crowder was 'in the building' but had again refused to come into court. The judge noted that Mr Cox's family were 'disgusted' by Crowder's behaviour, saying he showed 'disrespect' and 'disregard' for the family, the court, and the process.
"At no point has he shown any compassion for the family's suffering or remorse for what he did," the judge said.
Background of the victim
Mr Cox was a talented footballer who once played for a Bolton Wanderers youth team. He was also a gifted artist and musician, winning a scholarship to a music college in Manchester and later working as a DJ. However, towards the end of his life, he struggled with ill-health and addiction, including a spinal abscess and a stroke in 2023.
By March 2024, Mr Cox was particularly vulnerable, having been left homeless after his flat became uninhabitable. The judge rejected Crowder's claim that he cared for Mr Cox, saying he was exploited and subjected to gratuitous degradation.
Pattern of abuse
In the weeks leading up to his death, Mr Cox was effectively held hostage at Crowder's flat. Crowder made menacing demands for money, stealing his benefits on four occasions, and repeatedly beat him. Mr Cox was left a 'cowering mess' and was also hit with a bed slat.
On February 24, 2024, Mr Cox attended the Urban Care and Neighbourhood Centre (UCAN) in New Bury in a terrible state, with black eyes and bruising. He said he had been held hostage and starved for two weeks, escaping through a window. He said, "My money has been taken off me and I was beaten up regularly and sometimes not even for a reason."
Investigation and sentence
After killing Mr Cox, Crowder failed to promptly call for help and showed no compassion, instead concealing the death and delaying. He refused to answer most questions in police interviews and did not give evidence at trial.
Judge Clarke praised staff at the UCAN centre and medical professionals, saying, "This country can be proud of the help we seek to provide for those who can be in the most desperate need." He also commended Greater Manchester Police for their investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Naismith from GMP's Major Incident Team said: "Graham Cox was a father, a former DJ and a much-loved member of his family. He was also a vulnerable man who, sadly, found himself relying on others for support. Instead of receiving the compassion he deserved, he was exploited, abused and ultimately subjected to a brutal and sustained assault at the hands of someone he trusted."
He added: "Crowder took advantage of Graham's vulnerabilities, controlling his money, stealing his benefits and repeatedly assaulting him. These sorts of acts have no place in Greater Manchester, and we will always seek to get justice for victims of crimes like this. Our thoughts remain with Graham's family, who have shown immense strength and dignity throughout this investigation. We hope today's sentence provides them with a measure of justice and demonstrates our commitment to pursuing those who target and abuse vulnerable people."
