A MAN who violently attacked his older brother has been found guilty of murder.
Darren Steel has been for a minimum of 20 years after committing “the ultimate betrayal”.
Martin Steel, 48, was a proud father-of-twoCredit: WNS
Darren Steel, 41, from Morriston, Swansea, was found guilty of the murder of his brotherCredit: PA
In May 2023, Martin Steel, 48, was attacked by his younger brother Darren, 41, at his home in Swansea, .
Darren badly beat the father-of-two during a “fit of rage” before fleeing the property after the neighbours called his mother, Diane Steel.
Expecting to spend the day shopping with her son, Diane found Martin’s covered in blood.
During the trial, Darren claimed he used self defence following a row between the two, but this was rejected by the jury at Swansea Crown .
The trial heard that Darren committed such a violent act after he believed someone had stolen his drugs.
Martin sustained various horrific injuries, including a fractured voice box and had died a painful death from “blunt force trauma to his head, face, and neck”, the court heard.
According to a BBC report, Judge Walters said the attack was “vicious, sustained and seriously out of proportion of any violence he offered you”.
The judge described Darren as a violent man addicted to class A drugs.
Darren was sentenced to life in prison and found guilty of murder following a retrial on February 12.
A statement read on behalf of Diane said: “Every night I see Martin slumped in his chair, beaten to a pulp and covered in blood.
“Part of me died with Martin that day.”
Detective Inspector Stuart Prendiville said: “This has been a long and complex investigation into an incident which has shocked the communities of Clase, Morriston and the wider community of Swansea. The impact on the family has been significant.
“Darren Steel committed the ultimate betrayal against his older brother and caused further distress by pleading not guilty and putting the family through the ordeal of not one, but two trials.
“Darren Steel is a violent and dangerous individual and the life sentence and minimum tariff of 20 years is wholly justified in this case.
“We are relieved with the outcome and glad that the court proceedings have now come to an end. Our thoughts are with the family.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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