A man who “spontaneously” murdered his “much loved” uncle has been jailed for life.
Grant Walker, 32, of Faringdon Road, Swindon had been his “usual happy self” and was spending a “nice evening” with his aunt and his uncle, with whom he had a close relationship, when he suddenly killed him
Sentencing him at Bristol Crown Court on October 4, Judge Lambert said the attack in February had been out of character. Walker had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but was found guilty of murder after a five day trial on August 19. He will serve at least 11 years and 329 days before he will have the opportunity of parole.
As Walker sat in the dock wearing a white shirt under a grey sweatshirt, Judge Lambert said: “Your aunt said that you were all having such a nice evening. There had been no disagreements, no arguing, no cross words, no shouting, no raised voices. Your uncle walked past you and placed his arm on your shoulder, as if to cuddle or to pass you.
“It was a friendly gesture but, as he did this, you span around and put him into a headlock. Initially, your aunt thought the two of you were just messing around or play fighting — but it became clear that you were in fact having a real go at your uncle Terry. In her words, it was just a violent attack. Uncle Terry did nothing and said nothing.
“You then dragged your uncle up by his neck and then smashed his head into the wall above the radiator. You did that at least twice. It killed him.”
He added that Walker could not believe his uncle was dead and slapped him about the face to try to revive him before fleeing the scene, while his aunt “did all she could” to save him and called the ambulance. Judge Lambert said: “You left for cowardly reasons.”
He said: “Terry Ricketts was 53 years old when you killed him. He enjoyed a close relationship with you for many years. Along with your aunt Sarah, he enjoyed your company frequently. You were both dependent on alcohol. Terry was a much loved family man. His wife of many years, Sarah, and his daughter and son suffered a grievous loss.”
He added: “The family bear their loss with great dignity.”
Prosecutor Simon Jones read out a victim impact statement from Mr Ricketts’ daughter. She said: “Losing Dad in such a horrific way is not something any daughter should have to deal with. Dad was my best friend and I did everything with him.”
She said: “I will never come to terms with losing Dad the way I have but it is something I will have to live with.”
Adam Vaitilingam KC, representing Walker, said: “This was a completely spontaneous event by a man who […] has always been extremely fond of and close to the man he killed.”
He said Walker had a “long and complex mental health history” and “no history of violence.” Citing letters of references sent in on Mr Walker’s behalf, he said: “There are many people who respect and adore him and many of them are here today.”
Judge Lambert told Walker: “There is absolutely nothing in your past to predict the tragic events of February 2024. This is wholly out of character for you, as the many references filed confirm.
“You had a very badly disturbed childhood and there is deep tragedy in your background as set out in the psychiatric report.”
There is only one sentence for murder: life imprisonment. Judge Lambert said there were no aggravating factors to extend the starting point for the minimum time served before parole beyond 15 years.
Based on an immediate expression of remorse, lack of premeditation, and an intention to do grievous bodily harm rather than to kill, he set the minimum term in custody at 12 and a half years, less the 219 days Walker had already served on remand. If granted parole after that point, Walker will remain on licence for the rest of his life.
Walker looked down and bore no expression throughout the hearing. As he was led away to serve his life sentence, he looked towards his family and friends in the public gallery and gave a short simple nod.
In a statement issued after the sentencing by Wiltshire Police — who found and arrested Walker the day after the attack — senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Debbie Hatch said: “This has been an awful experience for Terry’s family and, while nothing can bring him back, I hope today’s sentencing can bring some form of closure for them.
“I’d like to thank them again for their patience and support with the investigation, which has culminated with this sentence.
“I would also like to commend and thank all the officers who have been involved in this incident since the terrible night when Terry was murdered. Their hard work has been vital in bringing about this sentence.”
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