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Man Found Guilty of Murder After Body Hidden in Derelict Lewisham Club

Detectives relied on CCTV, forensic links and telecoms data to secure the conviction with sentencing set for 9 October 2026.

Overview

  • A jury at Woolwich Crown Court found 30-year-old Daniel Watkis guilty of murdering 43-year-old Junior Coleman on Friday, 10 July following a trial.
  • A post-mortem concluded Coleman died from blunt force trauma to the head and face consistent with repeated heavy blows.
  • Officers discovered Coleman’s body concealed beneath a tarpaulin in the rear bar of the former Brockley Social Club during a search on 19 September and found items belonging to Watkis nearby.
  • Investigators built a multi-strand case using CCTV that showed the men together and Watkis leaving the venue, telecoms and movement data, witness accounts, and forensic links including a water bottle tied to Watkis.
  • Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Soren praised the investigation’s thoroughness, the family said the verdict brings some measure of justice, and Watkis will be sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on 9 October 2026.