A NEW Channel 5 series is set to follow the police as they investigate the brutal murder of Jonathan Hutty.
Murder Suspect No. 1 will provide viewers with a behind-the-scenes look as detectives take on the case and attempt to catch the killer.
Gavin Leaning brutally attacked and killed 49-year-old Jonathan Hutty[/caption]
His accomplice in the crime was Ian Smalley[/caption]
Brutal attack
In February 2024, Jonathan Hutty, 49, was found with serious injuries in his flat in Padstow House, Hull.
He was immediately transported to the hospital, however, Mr Hutty never regained consciousness.
He was left in a ‘’deep coma’’ after suffering serious face and head injuries.
Following the attack, three suspects were initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, however, on March 11 – 16 days after the incident took place – Mr Hutty died in hospital as a result of his injuries.
According to a statement shared by Humberside Police: “The post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was a severe head injury, likely as a result of an assault.’’
Murder investigation launched
Following Mr Hutty’s death, a murder investigation was launched.
This included conducting house-to-house enquiries, reviewing CCTV footage, extensive analysis of phone data, and forensic examinations.
Detective chief inspector of Humberside Police Ben Robinson, who led the investigation, said at the time: “I understand an incident of this nature is likely to cause concern within the local community, however I’d like to reassure people that we do believe this to be an isolated incident between individuals known to each other.
“Since we received the report, I have had a dedicated team of detectives conducting extensive lines of enquiries, including house to house and reviewing CCTV footage in and around the area.”
After reviewing hours of CCTV footage in and around the area, three suspects were captured inside Padstow House and later seen entering a lift to travel to Mr Hutty’s flat.
Discussing the findings, Detective Chief Inspector Ben Robinson said: ‘’All three men later left the flat, making no attempt to help Jonathan and leaving him for dead, before a friend later found him on the floor with a serious head injury and alerted emergency services.
‘’Whilst Jonathan was receiving treatment in hospital, officers attended the property and conducted extensive enquiries where it was established that Jonathan had been kicked, stamped and punched.’’
The detective added: ‘’ All three were subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.’’
Investigating officers also seized clothing worn by the suspects on the night of the attack.
The post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death was a severe head injury, likely as a result of an assault
Humberside Police
Following forensic and DNA testing, blood which was confirmed to be that of Mr Hutty was identified on the footwear of two suspects – Ian Smalley and Gavin Leaning.
Forensic testing also found blood on Smalley’s jeans.
Text messages sent by Smalley were also recovered, in which he admitted he had killed Mr Hutty.
Missing bank card
Detectives also discovered that prior to the incident, Smalley had visited his bank to report that his bank card was missing, which he had wrongly accused Mr Hutty of stealing.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Robinson explained: ‘’Due to the accusation over a missing bank card, Smalley and Leaning went to Jonathan’s flat with one intention – to cause him serious harm.
“Jonathan was killed by people he knew and trusted and regarded as his friends, having done nothing to warrant the brutal attack inflicted upon him.”
The brutal crime features on C5’s Murder: Suspect No.1[/caption]
Three individuals, including Smalley and Leaning, were charged with murder.
Justice for Jonathan
Following a four-week trial at Hull Crown Court, in December 2024, Gavin Leaning, 52, of Padstow House was found guilty of manslaughter.
He was jailed for 13 years.
Ian Smalley, 54, of Hutt Street pleaded guilty to murder – he originally denied the charge but later asked to change his plea.
He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17-and-a-half years.
A third individual was acquitted after the jury found him not guilty of murder or manslaughter.
The show includes behind-the-scenes footage of the investigation[/caption]
After the sentencing, a statement shared by Humberside Police read: “This has been a long and complex investigation, with hours of CCTV footage being trawled in the initial weeks to establish the events leading to Jonathan’s death.
‘’Once our suspects were identified; we then had the task of carrying out various forensic and mobile phone data analysis to build a strong evidential case against them.
“Whilst we welcome the outcome, we recognise nothing can reverse the horrendous actions committed by Smalley and Leaning or take away the heartache and pain Jonathan’s family have to live with for the rest of their lives.
“Finally, I’d like to commend my dedicated team of investigating officers within our Major Crime Team who have worked relentlessly to bring these violent men to justice.
“We will always do everything we can to seek justice for those who come to harm at the hands of others, and to ensure those who commit the crime are held to account for their actions.’’
Murder Suspect No. 1
Murder Suspect No. 1 will air at 9pm on Channel 5 on Monday, February 17, 2025.
A second instalment will follow at the same time on Tuesday, February 18.
Previous episodes are available to watch on My5.
