Jonathan Christopher Stasiuk has been jailed for more than 24 years for the murder of Gerard White
A charity trustee has been jailed for murdering a fellow board member.
Jonathan Christopher Stasiuk has been jailed for more than 24 years for the murder of Gerard White on the Isle of Wight.
The 60-year-old admitted the murder at a trial at Southampton Crown Court last week and Stasiuk was jailed for 24 years and six months.
Stasiuk and White were both trustees of Lake Community Gardens, a charitable nature reserve and vegetable garden near Sandown.
The murder allegedly occurred after a number of minor disputes between the two men about matters relating to the charity.
Stasiuk previously denied murder and attempted to enter an alternative plea of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Police were called by Stasiuk himself on the afternoon of Monday 27 May, and found 73-year-old White dead at the scene. The court heard he had been attacked with a chainsaw.
White’s wife, Lee, released a statement on behalf of the family: “Gerry’s family is relieved that the accused has admitted being guilty of murder.
“Heartfelt thanks are due to the police, prosecution, court staff and all those involved in the case for the hard work they put into the investigation and trial, contributing to this satisfactory outcome.
“The family has been provided with professional and caring help and guidance by police liaison officers and Victim Support.
“The tragic loss of Gerry has left a huge hole in the lives of family and friends. We cannot hope to ever get over it.
“While nothing will bring my husband back, we have justice for him, and for this we are very grateful.”
Detective Inspector Toby Elcock, said: “This was a brutal attack on a much-loved and respected member of the community.
“Jon Stasiuk shockingly acknowledged that he was the man responsible for killing Gerry White, and yet showed absolutely no remorse for his death throughout the entire process until his trial.
“Late in this process he has come to terms with what he has done and has at last made full admissions to the jury, having previously tried to plead guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility – a plea that we did not accept.
“Our thoughts are with Mr White’s family and friends who have had to endure a lengthy criminal justice process.”
