Brutal murderer jailed for life
SO-CALLED FRIEND TARGETED VULNERABLE MAN AT THEIR HOME
A MAN has been jailed for at least 18 years for murdering a man in a “brutal and sustained” attack.
Craig Midgely, 40, from Dewsbury murdered 54-year-old Stephen Freeman last December.
Mr Freeman, described as a “frail and vulnerable man”, was staying with Midgely at a house in Moorside End, Dewsbury, when he was viciously attacked by the man that he thought of as his friend.
Leeds Crown Court heard today that Midgely launched his brutal assault on defenceless Mr Freeman after accusing him of stealing.
Police were called to the house on December 5, 2019, after the ambulance service had found Mr Freeman suffering serious injuries.
A post mortem found Mr Freeman had suffered multiple injuries to his head and body.
The court heard Mr Freeman suffered in a “sustained and violent assault” at the hands of Midgely, who was today found guilty of murder.
Handed a life sentence, Midgely was sentenced to 18 years in prison, minus the 354 days he has already served.
Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Emma Winfield of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Stephen Freeman was a frail and vulnerable man who lost his life as a result of a truly brutal and sustained assault by Midgely who he thought of as a friend.
“I am pleased we have been able to secure justice for Stephen and for his friends and acquaintances and hope they will find some closure from seeing Midgely found guilty.
“The level of the injuries he inflicted on this poor man speak volumes regarding his character.”