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Cruel Killer's 'What a Shame' Taunt to Dying Victim
2 Jul
Summary
- Killer taunted victim, saying 'What a shame' as he died.
- Victim died from asphyxia and blunt force trauma to head.
- Killer waited 23 minutes after attack before calling ambulance.
A man has been handed a life sentence for murder following a fatal confrontation. The court heard that the convicted man, Hughes, sat on his victim, Turner, who suffered from heart disease, during the altercation.
During the struggle, Turner indicated he could not breathe. Hughes responded with cruel remarks, including, "What a shame" and "You can die for all I care." He then beat Turner with his walking stick after he lost consciousness.
A post-mortem examination revealed Turner died from asphyxia and blunt force trauma to his face and head. Hughes made a hot drink and listened to the radio for 23 minutes before calling an ambulance, admitting to his nephew, "I think I may have killed someone."
In a victim impact statement, Turner's sister described her devastation, stating that Christmas would never be joyful again. The judge acknowledged Turner initiated the attack but condemned Hughes's "angry, callous and cruel" verbal abuse and his refusal to stop after being told the victim couldn't breathe.
