Clifton – A murderer who dialled 999 to calmly report he had killed his friend has been handed a life sentence.
Caine Lonsdale (pictured above) made the call after violently attacking Jonathan Dittia in Clifton, Nottingham, on 17 September 2024.
Police arrived at the scene moments later and found Lonsdale waiting at the front door to Mr Dittia’s flat.
His right foot was covered in blood and he was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Mr Dittia, aged 40, was found lying in the living room of the flat amongst smashed glass, damaged furniture and signs that a disturbance had taken place.
Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics, Mr Dittia was pronounced dead a short time later.
Lonsdale was charged following an investigation by detectives and the 34-year-old pleaded guilty to murder when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on 14 February 2025.
Lonsdale, of Lerwick Close, Nottingham, has now been told he must serve a minimum of 15 years in jail before he can apply for parole during his sentencing at the same court on Friday (25 April).
A murder investigation revealed Lonsdale and Mr Dittia had been together during the day of 17 September at the victim’s home in Eddleston Drive.
Between 11am and 7pm neither were seen to leave the flat.
Around 7pm Lonsdale ordered a takeaway using his mobile phone and at 7.26pm left the flat to collect a pizza which had been delivered.
He was seen on CCTV eating the pizza outside Mr Dittia’s flat and the trainer on his right foot was already covered in blood.
He left the flat again at 7.45pm before returning and making the 999 call around 8.30pm.
Lonsdale told the police call handler he had killed his friend by stomping on his head. He said what had happened was a ‘blur’.
A post-mortem revealed Mr Dittia (pictured below) had suffered serious head injuries from repeated kicks, stamps and possible blows from a blunt instrument.
Today’s sentencing hearing heard from a number of Mr Dittia’s family members, in which they described him as “a kind vulnerable soul”, adding that “nobody had a bad word to say about him”.
They added: “He was a gentle person with a heart of gold. His loss has left a huge gap in our lives that will never be filled.”
They also thanked the investigation team, their family liaison officer and the force’s victim support for helping them.
Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“Jonathan was loved by his family and described as a gentle giant by those who knew him.
“His life was taken away in the most brutal fashion by Caine Lonsdale.
“The attack took place within Jonathan’s own home – a place he should have been safe.
“Lonsdale inflicted a senseless and relentless attack on Jonathan, causing catastrophic injuries which ultimately led to his death.
“Detectives carried out a meticulous investigation to piece together exactly what happened that day.
“Today’s sentence means Lonsdale will spend a considerable part of his life behind bars and I hope this gives Jonathan’s loved ones some comfort.”
