Couple Sentenced for Brutal Killing of Vulnerable 60-Year-Old
Lee Chugg and Jodie Swannick have been locked up for life after a savage attack that saw frail 60-year-old Stephen Fogg stomped and kicked to death in his own home. The pair blamed each other, but a jury at Exeter Crown Court found both guilty of murder following a four-week trial.
Life Behind Bars: Minimum 18 and 20 Years
On 27 May, Chugg, 42, of Knighton Road, Wembury, was handed a life sentence with a minimum of 20 years. Swannick, 32, who has no fixed address, must serve at least 18 years in prison.
A carer discovered Mr Fogg’s battered body in his Hawthorn Drive bungalow on the morning of 17 December 2020, nearly three days after the attack.
Horrific Details of the Attack
- The attack happened on the evening of 14 December 2020 at Mr Fogg’s home where he lived alone.
- Police found extensive blunt-force trauma including fractured skull, ribs, collarbone, and injuries to his face and neck.
- Footwear marks suggested he was stamped on multiple times.
- Both defendants admitted being present but tried to pin the blame on each other.
Drunken Violence and Denial
The pair had been drinking vodka before the assault. Swannick confessed to kicking Mr Fogg in the head three times. She told police Chugg “was an evil, evil person that night” and was “in that headspace to kill.”
Chugg accused Swannick of stabbing Mr Fogg with scissors and stamping on him.
They fled Wembury after the murder, avoiding the heavy police presence. They were caught days later in Plymouth.
Judge Condemns ‘Callous’ Attack
Judge Peter Johnson called the assault “brutal” and said both showed “callous indifference” to whether Mr Fogg lived or died. He branded Chugg “an extremely dangerous man prone to violent outbursts when drunk” and confirmed both intended to kill.
“Each has shown a willingness to minimise their involvement. I am satisfied there was an intention to kill by both defendants.”
Police Praise Complex Investigation
Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson, Senior Investigating Officer, said:
“Stephen was a kind and generous man who wanted to be friends with everyone. Chugg and Swannick exploited his vulnerabilities and subjected him to a prolonged, senseless attack.”
“Neither showed any remorse, instead trying to shift blame and escape justice.”
“This was a challenging case involving extensive CCTV and expert evidence to unravel their lies.”
“We offer our deepest condolences to Stephen’s family and hope today’s sentence brings them some closure.”
