Adrian Whiting's killer sentenced to life

Adrian Whiting’s murderer has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 17 years.

The judge at Lincoln Crown Court has today (Monday, 28 October), handed Maksim Iliev, 36, the sentence following his conviction by a jury in July this year. 

Iliev, formerly of Union Street, Boston, had dealt a fierce blow to the head of his victim, bar worker Adrian “Adi” Whiting after he had intervened in an altercation with his partner.

Adi was just 35 when he died after ten days of fighting for his life in hospital. Iliev’s partner, Katya Tsoneva, 35, has also been sentenced today for two years for assisting an offender.

Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Lovatt led the investigation. She said: "Today’s sentencing isn’t about the man who ended Adi’s life and it’s not where my focus is; that remains with Adi and his family, who have been left utterly devastated and bereft at his death. They have conducted themselves with dignity through this ordeal, and throughout it, they have held on to their memories of Adi.

"I would like to remember a few of those, because it is the victim – Adi – who should be the main story here today. He was described as having limitless energy, helpfulness, thoughtfulness, and humour which made him great fun to be with – and people wanted to be around him. They also remember his tremendous sense of fun, and his love for his son. It is truly heartbreaking to know that a child will grow up without the love of a parent, and that the people who loved him so dearly will continue to feel that loss.

"Finding justice through a life sentence for his killer is why we come to work. It has been my privilege to investigate this case on their behalf, and I hope that today means they can begin to move forward in their lives.”

Pictured below is Adi Whiting.