Girl sentenced for manslaughter of Crawley man

A 15-year-old girl from Crawley, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been sentenced for the manslaughter of Nimroy Hendricks in the town.

The girl appeared at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 4 March and was given a total sentence of nine years, comprising five years custodial and a further four-years on extended licence.

She appeared at court last July charged with murder following an investigation by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team. However, expert medical practitioners for the Defence and Prosecution agreed that that at the time of the offence, the defendant was suffering from a significant abnormality of mind and so the Crown accepted a plea to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

She was then remanded for pre-sentencing reports.

Mr Hendricks, 24, tragically died in Russell Way, Crawley, after being found with a single stab wound to the chest on 27 October 2020.

Nimroy, who was known as Nim by family and friends, and the girl were known to each other.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wolstenholme from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “The death of Nimroy Hendricks is heart-breaking, and the whole circumstances of this case are both complex and tragic; our thoughts are with everyone affected by the loss of Nim.

"The acceptance of the plea for manslaughter was taken in light of all the available evidence from expert witnesses, and only after painstaking examination and discussion between Counsel, the CPS, the Police and Nim’s family.

“I know that Nim’s family will never get over the devastating loss of a man who was so peaceful, selfless and caring. He was a talented musician who loved life, and whose death was the tragic result of a knife taken from home, in hands and a location where it never should have been. Those short moments have had an immeasurable effect on so many people who loved Nim, and many more who have heard his story and despaired at another death involving a knife.

"If you have information about individuals or groups carrying knives in Sussex or anywhere, please tell the police and prevent another family suffering the unimaginable pain that the loss of Nim has caused."