James Hughes killed Harold Turner after an argument on Christmas Day last year.
A 67 year old St Asaph man who murdered his neighbour after an argument, has today been jailed.
James Hughes from The Old Palace Flats, St Asaph, wore a Dictaphone around his neck and sat on top of Harold Turner, 68, recording the altercation, before beating him with his walking stick on Christmas day last year.
Mr Turner died as a result of asphyxia and had suffered blunt force trauma to his face and head.
Hughes was found guilty by a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court last week, having denied Murder. Today, His Honour Lord Justice Matthew Nicklin sentenced him to *life imprisonment with a minimum of 12 years and 180 days.
In a powerful statement read on behalf of Mr Turner’s sister, the Court heard that “I was having a lovely day until a knock at my front door changed everything… not expecting to open the door to two police officers. I could not believe that my only living brother had been murdered, I asked myself the question why, no-one deserves this.
“The events of Christmas Day have changed everything within myself and the remaining family members. Not able to see my brother again, for him not to be there for his nieces and nephews, is hard to come to terms with.
“My brother Harold did not deserve to come to the end of his life with this terrible murder.”
Speaking after sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Eleri Thomas said: “This was a senseless murder which was borne out of a dispute between two retired neighbours.
“Through his persistent, antagonistic actions, James Hughes drove Mr Turner to a confrontation at the door of his flat, and despite Mr Turner’s pleas that he couldn’t breathe, Hughes continued to sit on his chest and proceeded to strike his head with his walking stick.
“His recording of the attack, and subsequent conversations afterwards were damning as to his guilt, and whilst Mr Turner’s family may never be able fully comprehend why this tragic incident happened, I hope we have provided them with some form of justice and closure today.”
