Burglar convicted for murdering mother

On 5 August 2005, 49-year-old Wojciech Ciesla broke into the home of Juline Chambers, 32, in Ancona Road, Plumstead, south-east London looking for food and money after being made homeless. The Polish migrant, who had previously attempted to burgle two houses nearby, pushed Juline’s face into her mattress and strangled her in front of her 15-month-old son, Dejaughn Johnson. Neighbours discovered Juline’s body two days later with Dejaughn whimpering in his cot with a blanket over his head.

Ciesla, who had been drinking heavily, claimed he had no memory of the incident but did recall “some violent struggle taking place”. He was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey on 21 June and on 13 July was sentenced to life in prison where he must serve at least 13 and a half years. It was recommended that he be deported to Poland after his release.

He was cleared of burgling Juline’s house and of assaulting her son, who was found with handprints on his face and finger marks scratched into his skin.