This is the moment a killer faked surprise and distress when he was arrested on suspicion of murdering his friend minutes after his victim’s body had been found.
Lee Whitlock, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years and one month after murdering Robert Farley, 61, who was struck on the head with a hammer multiple times at his flat.
On September 2 2021 the 53-year-old defendant was picked up police and then asked to be taken to Mr Farley’s flat claiming he was concerned because he hadn't heard from him for a couple of days.
When they arrived at the flat in the early hours of the morning officers found Mr Farley’s body slumped on the sofa lying in a pool of blood with severe head injuries.
Whitlock was arrested on suspicion of murder at West Walk in Barry but initially claimed he had nothing to do with Mr Farley’s death, according to Wales Online.
Forensic examinations revealed the defendant’s blood and fingerprints were found in the victim’s flat and witnesses said Whitlock had made a number of confessions. He was also seen in possession of a clawhammer.
He pleaded guilty to murder on the first day of his trial and was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday.
Footage released by South Wales Police showed the moment Whitlock was arrested by police shortly after Mr Farley’s body was discovered.
The body-worn camera footage shows Whitlock lying in the back of a police vehicle as he is arrested.
Whitlock says: “You’re arresting me for murder?”
A police officer replies: “All right Lee, mate, okay.”
Whitlock again asks: “What are you arresting me for murder for?”
An officer tells him: “Listen, the time is 1.31am. I am arresting you on suspicion of murder....”
Whitlock responds: “You’re having a laugh.”
The officer continues: “You do not have to say anything but it may help your defence, if you do not...”
Whitlock says: “Oh my God.”
The officer proceeds with the caution: “...mention something when questioned for which you later rely in court...”
Whitlock asks: “He’s dead is he?”
The officer says: “Anything you say...”
Whitlock says: “Is he dead?”
The officer concludes: “...may be taken in evidence.”
Whitlock: “Is he dead? I am asking you now, I am asking you, is he dead?”
CCTV footage was also released of Whitlock walking along West Walk earlier in the day after murdering Mr Farley.
It shows the defendant walking on the street using a cane but stopping for a number of seconds and staring at Mr Farley’s flat window. He then continues walking.
Following the hearing South Wales Police senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Mark Lewis said: “The show that Whitlock put on for officers at the scene, claiming to know nothing of what happened to someone that he called a friend, truly shows the lack of remorse right from the offset of this investigation.
“It is down to the painstaking work of officers and staff at the scene, the forensic and CCTV examination, and follow-up inquiries that developed such strong evidence against him that Whitlock pleaded guilty and has today been put in jail to face the consequences of his actions.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
