Monckton Murder
Damien Hanson (top) was given three life sentences for the murder of City banker John Monckton. His accomplice, Elliot White (bottom) was jailed for 18 years for manslaughter.
A burglar on trial for stabbing wealthy City banker John Monckton has been found guilty of murder and sentenced to a minimum of 36 years imprisonment. Damien Hanson, 25, brutally attacked the financier and his wife, Homeyra, at the couples Chelsea home in Upper Cheyne Row on 29 November 2004 (Felix 1308). The attack occurred just streets away from Imperial College halls of residence in Evelyn Gardens.
At a court hearing last Friday, Hanson was given three life sentences for the murder of Mr. Monckton and attempted murder of his wife. His co-accused Elliot White received 18 years for manslaughter, wounding with intent and robbery.
Hanson was said to be obsessed by the wealthy, "collecting newspaper articles and other information on the rich and successful and on the valuation and sale of diamonds" whilst serving time for previous conviction. Jurors at the Old Bailey heard how Hanson and White had planned the burglary, targetting Mrs. Monckton as their victim prior to the assault.
White gained access to the Monckton's high security residence by posing as a postman and tricking Mr. Monckton into opening the door. Hanson, his face concealed by a baraclava, then burst in armed with a knife and a gun demanding money and jewellery. He proceeded to stab Mr. Monckton, puncturing both his heart and lungs before turning his attentions to Mrs. Monckton. She received two severe knife wounds in her back and was left fighting for her life. Hanson and White fled the scene with around £4,000 worth of jewellery. The Monckton's bleeding bodies were found by their nine year old daughter, who witnessed part of the attack and made the emergency police call. Her parents were taken to Chelsea and Westminster hospital where her father later died from his injuries. Mrs. Monckton underwent extensive surgery and eventually recovered.
Shockingly, Hanson had been released from jail just three months prior to the murder after serving half of a 12 month sentence for a previous attempted murder charge. White was on bail awaiting trial for drug charges. The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, has ordered an enquiry into how the two were released without adequate supervision, and were therefore able to commit these heinous crimes.
