A man has been sentenced to life and must serve a minimum of 20 years and 3 months in prison for the brutal murder of his friend.

Jose Agrela, 30, was found guilty in April of killing Colin Evans, 39, in a homeless hostel in Chelmsford last year.

He was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court this morning.

Police were called to Mr Evans’ home in Broomfield Road, Chelmsford, on September 30, where he was found dead with multiple stab wounds.

Officers quickly established that Agrela and Mr Evans’ dog, Sweep, were missing and informed the council CCTV operators, who searched the city centre for Agrela. 

He was found and arrested within two hours. 

Investigating officers believe Agrela took Mr Evans by surprise as he was sitting in front of the television. 

He then dressed himself in his victim’s clothing and stole his ring, watch and dog.

Agrela had maintained that someone else murdered Mr Evans while he was out walking Sweep and he had panicked when he returned to the flat and found his body.

Senior investigating officer DCI Martin Pasmore, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said:

"I welcome today’s sentence, which reflects the savage nature of the attack. 

"Mr Evans had invited Agrela into his home as an act of charity after he became homeless. 

"It beggars belief that Agrela could launch such an attack on a man who had given him a roof over his head. 

"My thoughts are very much with Mr Evans’ family and friends. 

"I hope that today’s sentence offers some sense of justice and a level of closure for them."
 

The pair were living together in Broomfield Road when Agrela, who was said at his trial to suffer from paranoid delusions, attacked him.

Mr Evans, who used to live in St James Road, Braintree, died of stab wounds to his neck.