Battered Rotherham murder victim had 41 injuries

Garry Count (32), from Wombwell, was sentenced yesterday at Sheffield Crown Court to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 16 years for the murder of 41-year-old Shane Beadling.

Kerry Musgrave (31), also from Wombwell, was jailed for 18 months for perverting the course of justice.

Count and Musgrave previously pleaded guilty to these offences on November 21.

Police officers were called to an address in Bartholomew Street, Wombwell, on Friday July 20 and found the body of Mr Beadling, from Rawmarsh.

The cause of death was multiple injuries.

Det Insp Kevin Brown, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: “This was a brutal and bloody sustained attack by Garry Count on Shane Beadling.

“Mr Beadling suffered 41 external injuries together with fractures to his jaw, nose and two skull fractures.

“Whilst the injuries were severe it is felt that Mr Beadling may have still been alive when Count and Musgrave left the house. Instead of obtaining medical assistance for Mr Beadling both Count and Musgrave attempted to cover their tracks.

“The sentence imposed by the judge on Garry Count reflects the sustained attack on Mr Beadling.”

A statement from Shane Beadling’s family said they acknowledged the guilty plea of Count and Musgrave and are relieved that they will now not have to endure the ordeal of a trial.

The family would like to thank South Yorkshire Police for their help and support during this difficult time.

The family said: “No sentence, however long will bring back Shane. We only hope that Count and Musgrave use their time in prison to reflect on the damage their actions have caused.”