Brothers convicted of manslaughter after mobility scooter revenge attack

Gareth Leach (28), of Brameld Road, Mexborough, and Kyle Martin (22), of Selwyn Street, Rotherham, attacked Dean Williamson at about 1pm on October 5 last year. 

They assaulted the 45-year-old, believing him to have nicked their mother’s mobility scooter six days earlier.

The pair attacked Dean at his home on Williams Street, Parkgate, leaving him with serious facial and chest injuries.

He died in hospital that afternoon. 

Det Chief Insp Simon Palmer said: “Whatever their feelings towards Dean, there was no excuse for what Leach and Martin did to him. 

“They should have taken their concerns to the police and not dealt with their grievances through violence.

“This was a particularly brutal attack. Martin hit his victim’s head against the wall and then stamped on him. 

“The scooter had been found, so the violence shown was purely a twisted and pointless form of revenge. 

“Three lives have now been shattered because of their senseless act. Dean has lost his life and Leach and Martin will now go to prison for killing him. 

“Other innocent people have also been caught up this, including the victim’s family and friends and those close to Leach and Martin. 

“The brothers will now face a long time in jail to consider the consequences of their actions and to understand that violence is never the answer.” 

During the three-week trial, Sheffield Crown Court heard how Leach denied murder during his police interview and claimed that he found his brother assaulting Dean and tried to stop him causing further injury. 

Leach’s mother Sara Martin (50), of Town Lane, Greasbrough, provided officers with fake accounts of Leach’s involvement, stating that he had only tried to prevent the attack on Dean, and how he was upset, sickened and frightened by what he had seen his brother do. 

Sara Martin and Leach’s girlfriend, Jessica Hammond (27), of Brameld Road, Swinton, were charged with perverting the course of justice.  

Sara Martin admitted perverting the course of justice at a previous court appearance on February 21.  

Jessica Hammond was found not guilty at trial for her involvement. 

Both men denied murder. They were found not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. Leach, Kyle Martin and Sara Martin will be sentenced at a later date.