Mystery of death shortly after bullying at party
FOUR people pleaded guilty to assaulting a vulnerable man in drunken hijinks that went too far.
But their “bullying” actions have not been linked to his death shortly afterwards.
Martyn Evans, 25, who had learning difficulties, was found dead on a sofa the day after the party in Bishopsworth in October last year.
Video footage obtained from one of the party-goers’ phones showed how a “semi-conscious” Mr Evans had a banana put up his nose, an eyebrow shaved off and washing up liquid and bleach poured over his head.
His death, however, remains a mystery and has not been linked to his ill-treatment.
The four charged also have learning difficulties and pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
They are: Natasha McDonald, 26, of Long Cross in Lawrence Weston; Patrick Brown, 30, of Lakemead Grove in Bishopsworth; Leanne Harford, 25, of Molesworth Close in Bishopsworth; Thomas Porter, 27, of Molesworth Close in Bishopsworth.
Judge James Patrick handed them each an 18-month community order, with rehabilitation.
“You bullied him the night before he died and the death casts a long shadow,” he said. “No sentence will bring him back.
“Those who loved him will feel the aching void of his loss for the rest of their lives.
“The cause of death is not determined and there is no evidence you contributed to Martyn’s death.
“You are all, in your own way, vulnerable too.”
Martyn’s mum Alita, 65, who adopted him when he was aged seven months, said: “I think what they did was disgusting.
“He was up for a joke but he wouldn’t do that to anyone.
“If he had woken up the next day he wouldn’t be happy, but at least he’d be alive.”
A post-mortem concluded cause of death was unascertained and a coroner’s inquest is due to be heard.
James Haskell, prosecuting, said Martyn had learning difficulties and Asperger’s Syndrome.
Mr Haskell said: “Each defendant exploited his vulnerability for
their own, immature entertainment.
“There is no evidence their actions caused or contributed to his death but their treatment of him was shameful.”
Mr Haskell said police retrieved footage on Hartford’s phone which showed how he was treated, and included attempts to wash off washing up liquid and bleach poured over his head.
The male defendants made no comment to police.
Mr Haskell said the female defendants explained what happened but blamed others.
He told the court: “The video has lots of laughing and joking and everybody thought it was amusing. “It clearly wasn’t.” Defence barristers were content with the judge’s declaration that he would follow sentencing recommendations.
After the hearing Martyn’s mum Alita said her adopted lad was initially challenging but had mellowed and, after college in Stourbridge, was living in a flat in Withywood.
He knew the defendants and had gone to socialise with them.
Mrs Evans said: “He was perfectly well. I think if he wasn’t there that night he would be alive.
“If the sentences make a difference, it’s OK.
“I just wish the judge could have told them off more.”
No sentence will bring him back. Those who loved him will feel the aching void of his loss for the rest of their lives Judge James Patrick