Gang jailed for brutal murder of reclusive man in a Doncaster alleyway

The group brutally attacked Jerry Appicella, as he made his way home from his local shop in Denaby Main on December 3, 2019, ambushing him in an alleyway.

Mr Appicella managed to get home, but police found hims dead 12 days later after his family reported him missing.

A court today handed jail sentences to Shae Nicholson, Martell Fabian Brown, and a 15-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Nicholson, aged 20, was found guilty of murder received a life sentence, minimum term of 15 years

Brown, aged 24, was found guilty of manslaughter, and jailed for six-years.

The teenage boy was found guilty of manslaughter, and received a 30 month jail sentence

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector, Simon Palmer said: “This was a horrific attack on a man who was a familiar face in his community.

“Whilst Mr Appicella lived a mainly solitary life, he tragically came into the orbit of these men that evening, who attacked him because they wanted to, and because they could.

“Our investigation revealed that they ambushed Mr Appicella, with Nicholson lying in wait and the rest of the group stalking Mr Appicella until he was alone and out of sight. Having suffered severe head injuries, Mr Appicella, with the help of a member of the public, managed to get home, assuring her that he would be ok.

“Locking his door behind him, Mr Appicella succumbed to the injuries inflicted by these shameless thugs.”

CCTV footage obtained by the investigation team had captured the hours leading up the attack, the attack itself and the aftermath, which saw Nicholson return to the scene, bragging about his actions.

Painstaking work by the team meant this was stitched together and a clear timeline was created.

DCI Palmer added: “Once we had identified those involved, our detectives took to the streets of Denaby Main, carrying out extensive house-to-house enquiries to track the group down.

“Despite their efforts to evade us, Brown for example was arrested after being found in a wheelie bin, they were swiftly charged, much to the relief of the community.”

The court heard that whilst the groups motive for the attack was simply ‘because they wanted to’, there were other possible catalysts, such as Mr Appicella’s appearance, his sexuality or his alcohol dependency.

DCI Palmer added: “It is absolutely right that we have seen significant custodial sentences served in this case, Mr Appicella was subjected to horrendous levels of violence.

“This incident shocked the community, who do not deserve to see such crimes committed on their streets. Innocent people do not deserve to be caught up in such acts of violence, Mr Appicella did not deserve to have his life ended in this way.

“I hope the fact that these individuals have been jailed is of some reassurance to the community and that they feel a little safer knowing these young men are behind bars.

“Sadly, I know it is of little comfort to Mr Appicella’s mother and brother, who have lost someone they loved dearly. I would like them to know our thoughts remain with them today.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.