A 46-year-old Reading man has been convicted of murder, perverting the course of justice and preventing a lawful burial.

A unanimous jury found Nyiah Williams, of Hadrian Walk East, Reading, guilty yesterday (September 30) of killing Duane Denny in his flat with blunt force to his face and neck.

Williams wrapped Duane’s body in multiple layers of plastic bin bags and parcel tape and stored the body in the cupboard in his flat for several weeks, before disposing of it close to the River Thames in Erith, London on September 11, 2021, according to Thames Valley Police.

 “Nyiah Williams is a violent and controlling bully who preys on the vulnerable,” said Detective Inspector Stuart Blaik.

“All of this was in an attempt to not only prevent Duane’s body from ever being found, but also to limit our forensic opportunities in identifying him as the killer.

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“Whilst Duane’s body was badly decomposed, we were still able to identify the cause of his death, which was significant blunt force trauma.”

The body of Mr Denny was discovered in Erith, London, on Wednesday September 15 last year.

After a three week trial, Williams was found guilty of one count of murder, one count of perverting the course of justice and one count of preventing a lawful burial.

“The jury listened carefully to all of the evidence and saw through Williams’ lies that it was a group of men that forced their way into his flat and assaulted both him and Duane, resulting in the death of Duane,” said DI Blaik.

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“Williams then suggested that the men, who he would not identify, instructed him to dispose of the body which was found by police on 15 September 2021.”

Sentencing will take place at Reading Crown Court, where Williams was convicted, on Monday October 3).

“Duane Denny’s family have shown incredible dignity throughout the investigation and the subsequent trial.

"No family should ever have to endure the suffering they have over the last 12 months.

"Today’s conviction will hopefully bring to a close this chapter of suffering and allow them to continue to grieve the loss of Duane in private.”