Body cam shows drunken murderer confronted officers after stabbing his ex-girlfriend's new partner
By: Police have released dramatic body cam footage of the moment a drunken murderer confronted officers after stabbing his ex-girlfriend's new partner.
Marek Hecko is seen swigging from a bottle of brandy and swearing at officers after the fatal attack on Adrian Ellingford, 44, in Chelmsford last July.
Hecko, 26, had fled the house in Nelson Grove after stabbing the father-of-two twice in the back, but returned to the scene later that morning with a brandy bottle in his hand and engaged police guarding the scene in conversation.
He told officers he knew what had happened and that he could help.
They arrested him after he becomes confrontational, and later realised they had captured the main suspect in the murder.
Today Hecko, of Rookes Crescent, was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 26 years
During his three-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, Hecko tried to claim that he turned up after seeing news of the murder, despite the fact police had not released the information at that point.
The court heard how Adrian Ellingford was with a former partner of Hecko’s on the night of the attack.
Hecko had been in a relationship with Mr Ellingford's partner Stephanie Breame beforehand, but she had broken it off.
However, he remained obsessed with her, arriving at her workplace and home uninvited and sending her lengthy messages and videos.
Things came to a head when Hecko bought two bottles of wine and walked to the home, which was captured on CCTV.
Ms Breame, who was in a romantic relationship with married Mr Ellingford, woke in bed when he made a comment about "someone" being in the house.
Mr Ellingford then collapsed with the knife embedded in his back.
The court heard Hecko left his DNA at the scene on one of the bottles of wine, and also on the handle of the knife, as it had snapped off when he stabbed Mr Ellingford.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, who led the investigation, said “Adrian’s death was tragic and caused a huge shock to this small community.
"The team acted quickly to begin gathering evidence and taking statements from those in the area.
“Whilst one of our officers was guarding the crime scene, she was approached by Hecko who was heavily intoxicated and indicated that he knew what had happened. Inquiries identified him as a main suspect, and he was arrested on suspicion of murder.”
Following the conviction, Adrian’s wife Laura paid tribute to him.