A man has been found guilty of the murder of Colin Evans who died after being stabbed at his home in Chelmsford.

Jose Agrela, 30, had denied murdering the 39-year-old man but was found guilty today after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Agrela, an unemployed man of no fixed address, will be sentenced at the same court on the week commencing June 22.

The jury had heard that police were called to Colin’s home in Broomfield Road on Tuesday September 30 2014.

He was found deceased with multiple stab wounds. Officers later found and arrested Agrela in Chelmsford. He was charged with murder on October 2, 2014.

Senior Investigating Officer DCI Martin Pasmore, from the Kent & Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "We welcome this guilty verdict. Colin Evans was in the process of turning his life around. He was a volunteer worker at The Sanctus café which gave him a new lease of life. He was brutally murdered by Jose Agrela during an unprovoked attack.

"My thoughts are very much with Colin’s family and friends and I hope this verdict brings an element of closure to this dreadful incident."

Colin’s mother, Sally Evans, has issued the following statement: "Colin was only 39 years old. He wasn't perfect as nobody is but he was my son, a brother and an uncle. He didn't deserve to die the way he did; no one does. He will be truly missed and often in our thoughts, although I know he will be looking down on us as well.

"Furthermore, I would like to thank my neighbours and friends for all their support through this difficult time, as well as all those involved in the investigation.”