At Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, December 19th, Kalib Steven Facey, 19, and Philomena McDonagh, 35, were both convicted of murdering Damian Hill.
Yesterday they were both sentenced to life in prison.Mr Hill, 39, was stabbed in Oakfield Street, Roath, at around 2.10am on Sunday, May 27.
The father-of- two was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, but died of his injuries. Speaking after the hearing at Cardiff Crown Court earlier,
Detective Inspector Debbie Zeraschi, of South Wales Police said: “As always, our thoughts are with all those who knew and loved Damian and who showed immense dignity during the anguish of a crown court trial.
“Damian was a much loved member of his family and nothing will compensate them for their sudden and devastating loss.
“But we hope the two guilty verdicts and sentences imposed of a minimum of 25 years for Facey and a minimum of 20 years in prison for McDonagha will give them some peace of mind that justice has been served.
“This case once again shows the devastating effect the criminal use of a knife can have on a person and their family.
“Those who carry knives should think very carefully about their actions and the potential fatal consequences.
“We wish to thank members of the Roath community and other witnesses who assisted South Wales Police and the Crown Prosecution service.”
Following the court hearing, Mr Hill’s family issued the following statement:
Statement from the family of Damian Hill
Damian has a large loving family and he was a loving father to his two sons who have been heartbroken by his murder and will miss him very much.
Damian was 39 years old on the day he was murdered. He would have been 40 years old the following day.
Damian was very placid and laid back, he would be the one to walk away from trouble. He was good natured and easy going and had so much to look forward to.
Damian was loved by all who knew him and he did not deserve to die the way he did. Damian will not be forgotten by his numerous friends and family, he was very proud of his family and we his family members were also proud of him.
The heartbreak that we as Damian’s family have endured since Damian’s senseless murder will live with us for the rest of our lives and not a day goes by that we don’t think of him. We have had to hear the details from court day after day about how Damian was murdered. The manner of his death is devastating and traumatic and it will be with us for the rest of our lives.
The one thing we hope is that Damian is now reunited with his sadly passed loving parents, Freddie and Carol, two people who loved him with all their hearts.
We would like to thank South Wales Police for the investigation that has been carried out and the investigation team that worked on Damian’s murder. We would also like to thank our family liaison officer, Angela for her support to the family during this very difficult time.
After six long agonising months justice has been done for Damian . There will be no celebrating because nothing will bring Damian back. RIP Damian Hill
