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11/04/2008
Indefinite Sentence For Bonfire Killing
A 13-year-old boy, who battered a man to death before throwing his body on a bonfire, has been given an indefinite sentence in secure accommodation.
Jamie Smith was told he must serve a minimum of 13 years in secure accommodation by the Recorder of Liverpool Henry Globe QC.
He admitted killing Stephen Croft, 35, in Birkenhead, Merseyside, after escaping from his care home in November last year.
Mr Croft, who had developed drinking problem after an industrial accident, was described as extremely vulnerable at the time of the motiveless attack.
David Turner QC, for the prosecution said: "It was therefore a sustained attack on a helpless man."
Smith stumbled across Mr Croft on wasteland, watching the bonfire alone. Fuelled by cider and vodka, Smith battered Mr Croft to death and threw his body on the bonfire.
Smith claimed he attacked the victim because he was angry that his family and care home staff had tried to trick him into returning to care.
However, the judge said he was "satisfied that the attack was motivated in part" by Smith's "desire to steal", as Mr Croft's cigarette papers, lighter and tobacco were found on Smith when he was arrested.
The judge lifted previous restrictions on identifying the 13-year-old.
(VB/JM)
Jamie Smith was told he must serve a minimum of 13 years in secure accommodation by the Recorder of Liverpool Henry Globe QC.
He admitted killing Stephen Croft, 35, in Birkenhead, Merseyside, after escaping from his care home in November last year.
Mr Croft, who had developed drinking problem after an industrial accident, was described as extremely vulnerable at the time of the motiveless attack.
David Turner QC, for the prosecution said: "It was therefore a sustained attack on a helpless man."
Smith stumbled across Mr Croft on wasteland, watching the bonfire alone. Fuelled by cider and vodka, Smith battered Mr Croft to death and threw his body on the bonfire.
Smith claimed he attacked the victim because he was angry that his family and care home staff had tried to trick him into returning to care.
However, the judge said he was "satisfied that the attack was motivated in part" by Smith's "desire to steal", as Mr Croft's cigarette papers, lighter and tobacco were found on Smith when he was arrested.
The judge lifted previous restrictions on identifying the 13-year-old.
(VB/JM)
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