Life for martial arts murder man
A martial arts student has been jailed for life for beating a man to death after he tried to stop an argument between him and his girlfriend.
Daniel Micklethwaite, 28, of Old Whittington Road, Gobowen, Shropshire, admitted murdering Joseph Hayward on 22 December in Coney Green, Oswestry.
Stafford Crown Court heard how the 50-year-old grandfather of four was hit 44 times.
Micklethwaite said he had struggled to live with the guilt since the attack.
Attack recorded
He added that he had never meant to kill Mr Hayward.
The court heard how Micklethwaite ambushed Mr Hayward, from Oswestry, as he walked home alone after drinking with a friend.
Earlier, Mr Hayward had intervened in an argument between Micklethwaite and his girlfriend in the town's Fitz Bar.
Micklethwaite pounced on his victim while Mr Hayward was talking on his mobile phone and the attack was recorded on it, the court heard.
Mr Hayward died of head injuries.
Micklethwaite was told he would have to serve at least 11 years and eight months in jail.
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Originally Posted by GeneChing
