Maurice Jones sentenced to at least 30 years

Maurice Jones has been sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for the murder of Tsvetomir Genov.

A jury at Wincheter Crown Court found Maurice Jones guilty of murdering Tsvetomir Genov at the end of a two-week case in June.

Judge Timothy Mousley said during sentencing, "You are a very jealous man, and you were intent on removing Mr Genov from his son's life.

"This was a murder borne out of your completely unfounded feelings of jealousy and your violent nature.

"This is a serious case of its type, and that is the least minimum term I can fix."

Maurice Jones stabbed Genov on Gainsborough Close in August 2023, which led to the 20-year-old losing his life.

Shortly before noon on August 22nd last year, Jones, who had recently moved to the area, confronted Tsvetomir, known as TG, in Gainsborough Close over issues relating to TG’s son and his former partner.

TG, who was walking his son in a pushchair back to his son’s mother’s house, was subjected to an unprovoked, sustained and violent attack by Jones, sustaining numerous stab wounds.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, TG sadly died at the scene.
Jones fled from the scene, discarding the knife and his trousers. Thanks to key witnesses and intelligence from members of the public, he was swiftly arrested and taken to custody.

After being charged with murder and possession of a bladed article, Jones pleaded not guilty to both.

During the trial, Jones claimed to have only taken a knife for his own protection and then used it out of fear, claiming to have lost control of himself.
The jury dismissed this.

In a statement today, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said: “While today’s sentencing is the conclusion of the courts process, the indescribable grief and sense of loss for TG’s family will go on.

“I would once again like to pay tribute to them for the dignified way they have behaved at court while having to hear the awful details of how TG, who was a son, father, brother and friend, lost his life.

“I would also like to thank the local community for the support they gave to the investigation team following the incident.

“Key evidence from witnesses was vital in securing the conviction and I would like to thank them for their bravery after witnessing such a horrific attack.

“I would also like to thank all the officers who responded to the incident, and who have assisted with the investigation since, for their dedication and professionalism which has ultimately led to this sentence.”

DCI Walker continued: “Knife crime kills and ruins lives, which is why it continues to be an ongoing priority for the force.

“If Jones hadn’t purposely taken a knife with him to meet TG, then TG would still be with us. It’s that simple.

“There can never be a good excuse to carry a knife. We know that you are far more likely to be the victim of a knife attack if you are carrying one, with it often being your own knife used against you.

“As seen from this case, the consequences of doing so, both for yourself and any potential victims, can be lifelong.”