A man who carried out a vicious attack on a loving father from Wolverhampton and left him to die in the street has seen his sentence increased following a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London.
Carl Ellitts was handed a life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28-and-a-half years back in February for the murder of 48-year-old Roy Deeley-Price, the rape of two women, three violent robberies and an assault with intention to rob.
Ellitts, 26, had admitted murdering Mr Deeley-Price as well as the robbery offences and assault with intention to rob but was convicted of the rapes following a trial which concluded in January. Ellitts had targeted vulnerable people in the community and robbed them of money to pay for drugs.
Police felt the sentence was unduly lenient and, after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, the Attorney General issued an application to have the sentence reviewed. Ellitts’ case was put before the Court of Appeal today (30 April) and a ruling increased his sentence to 35 years.
Detective Inspector Damian Forrest, the senior investigating officer, said: “We are very pleased with the ruling at the Court of Appeal. We felt the original sentence was unduly lenient and Ellitts will now face in excess of six extra years behind bars.
“Ellitts remains an extremely violent bully who carried out a number of robberies and two rapes all targeted against vulnerable people in Wolverhampton before he attacked Mr Deeley-Price leaving him to die in the street. It is right the community is protected from him for as long as possible.
“We hope this new ruling will help Mr Deeley-Price’s family as they come to terms with their loss as well as offer some comfort to Elllitts’ other victims.”
Last updated
30th April 2024
Share this article
Share this article on Twitter
Share this article on Facebook
Share this article via email
Join Us
Great news! We are recruiting, come and join us.
Find out how to join the force by visiting our dedicated jobs website.
Studying in the West Midlands
Officer walking with student at campus
Visit our Safer Students website for advice on staying safe while you’re at university