Man who drowned 17-year-old ‘friend’ after robbing him is jailed for life

A bully who strangled, drowned and robbed his 17-year-old ‘friend’ has been jailed for life.

Cole Jarvis, 22, dumped Connor Lyons’ body in River Hull after murdering him on 18 January.

The teenager’s body was found on the banks the following day.

Jarvis was sentenced to a minimum of 24 years and 73 days behind bars on Friday after a jury found him unanimously guilty of murder on 6 October.

He did not give evidence at the trial at Hull Crown Court.

The jury was told Jarvis bullied and assaulted Connor on several occasions before the murder, including kicking and slapping the victim without him fighting back, the BBC reported.

The court heard Jarvis attempted to sell the victim’s bike and hid his phone and gold bracelet following the murder.

The jury was also told Connor may have been strangled with a ligature before he was held down in the water.

Passing sentence, Judge John Thackray QC told Jarvis: "You plainly saw Connor Lyons as someone who you could bully and take advantage of.”

He added: “I have no doubt that you were enjoying making his life a misery.”

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The court heard at the start of court proceedings in September, Jarvis showed no remorse for his actions or Connor’s family, as he entered a not guilty plea.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Rhodri Troake, said: “Connor had his whole life ahead of him before tragically, it was taken from him.

“I hope the sentencing provides his family and loved ones with some comfort in knowing Jarvis can no longer cause harm to anybody else.”

Delivering a victim impact statement in court, Connor’s mum added: “Nothing can bring our Connor back. I feel like I can never begin to live without him.

“We are in a living hell. We have no answers. No reasons. Only one man does and nine months later, he still refuses to say anything.

“10 October, would have been Connor’s 18th birthday. We couldn’t celebrate this with Connor.

“Connor was a cheeky, happy go lucky, kind-hearted, and sweet boy full of potential. He never got the chance to fulfil this potential as an adult.

“All we can do is grieve and still live the nightmare of Connor’s last moments, before Cole Jarvis stole his life.”

Also speaking in court, Connor’s dad said: “ I am not the person I used to be. Whereas before I was happy, I am now always down and snappy. I feel fed up and angry.

“I wish Connor had told me if something was wrong, I wish I could have done something and stopped Connor’s death.

“Connor will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace Connor.”