Cliftonville Murderer Jailed for Life After Brutal Bottle Attack
Brawl Ends in Tragedy at Margate Party
A 23-year-old man from Cliftonville has been locked up for life after a savage attack that killed 44-year-old Mark Miles. The fatal incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, 12 October 2019, at a house in Sandhurst Place, Margate.
Mark was socialising with friends and family when trouble erupted. He challenged Richard McAuley over rude remarks McAuley had made to women at the party. Furious, McAuley grabbed a bottle, smashed it, and used the jagged glass to launch a brutal assault.
Witnesses Shocked as Victim Dies at Scene
Kent Police and paramedics rushed to the scene, but Mark had suffered life-threatening neck wounds and was pronounced dead on arrival. A woman who tried to stop the attack also suffered an injured arm from McAuley’s violent outburst.
Murder Trial Ends with Life Sentence
McAuley was arrested the next day by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. At Maidstone Crown Court, he denied murder, but after a five-day trial, the jury took just over an hour to find him guilty of murder and wounding with intent.
He was sentenced on 22 July 2020 to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 16 years before parole eligibility.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Ross Gurden said: “That night had been one of socialising and friendship for the victim, until McAuley arrived and things took a truly tragic turn.
“In a violent rage McAuley attacked the unarmed man – and then rather than stay and call for an ambulance – he fled the scene, leaving his victim to die.
“My thoughts are with Mr Miles’ family who have had to face the devastating consequences of losing a loved one, and I thank them for their strength and support throughout the investigation and subsequent trial.”
