Families ‘hearts are broken’ after conviction of man who murdered twice

A man who was the subject of an intense manhunt after killing two people within hours has been found guilty at court.

In court, statements from the two bereaved families have reflected the brutal sense of loss.

Lee Peacock, 50, of Harrow Road, Maida Hill appeared for trial at the Old Bailey on January 16 charged with the murders of Sharon Pickles and Clinton Ashmore.

On Tuesday, he was convicted of both murders.

In a statement, Sharon Pickles’ family said: “As a family it’s been an incredibly difficult time for us losing our loved one in this way, but we finally have justice for our beloved daughter, sister and mother, Sharon.

“Our hearts are broken and she will be missed dearly.”

Clinton Ashmore’s family said: “Clint was a pure and beautiful soul. His kindness, wit, humour and gentleness were what stood out most about him, but more than anything, he was loved.

“Clint touched so many lives in so many ways. He shone brightly in this world but his light was cruelly put out by someone who gave no thought or care to the impact of his actions.

“The world has lost one of the good ones but our family and his loved ones have lost the best.”

Peacock was remanded in custody to appear for sentencing tomorrow.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, of the Met’s specialist crime command, said: “Lee Peacock had recently been released from prison and was determined to blame others for his partner, Sharon, having moved on with her life while he was incarcerated.

“He was ruthless, murderous and had decided he was going to kill people.”

At 9.30pm on August 19, 2021, officers attended the address of 46-year-old Sharon in Ashbridge Street, St John’s Wood, after concerns were raised for her welfare.

Peacock had told a family member that he had killed three people – the family member called police, concerned for Sharon’s welfare.

Inside the home, officers found Sharon’s body hidden under a bed. Her throat had been cut and a note, signed by Peacock, was found at the scene.

Later that same day, officers recovered CCTV footage of Peacock walking with 59-year-old Clinton Ashmore towards his flat.

Peacock left the flat 15 minutes later, wearing a dark coloured hoodie. When he went in, he had been wearing a polo shirt.

At 2.15am on August 20, friends of Clinton found him fatally injured. Police were called to the address in Jerome Crescent, St John’s Wood, where he was pronounced dead.

He had also received a knife injury to the throat.

A manhunt was launched, and six days later Peacock was found aboard a houseboat on the Grand Union canal.

When officers arrived to arrest him, he tried to cut his own throat, but was restrained by officers and was taken to hospital for treatment.

In interview, Peacock told officers that he intended to kill four people whom he felt had ‘taken advantage’ of Sharon while he was in prison.

But this plan went awry when he told her he was going to kill a man he believed she had been seeing. She laughed and, in response, he killed her.

Peacock told officers he had decided to kill Clinton as he believed he had been part of the group who had ‘taken advantage’ of Sharon. He attacked Clinton with the same knife he had used to kill her.

Pictured top: Victims Sharon Pickles and Clinton Ashmore (Picture: The Met)