Couple Jailed for Brutal Killing of Vulnerable Pensioner
Lee Chugg and Jodie Swannick have been locked up for life after stamping and kicking 60-year-old Stephen Fogg to death. The vicious attack took place in Mr Fogg’s own home in Wembury, Devon, back in December 2020.
Both denied murder but a jury at Exeter Crown Court found them guilty on 19 May. Sentencing on 27 May handed Chugg a minimum 20-year term, while Swannick faces at least 18 years behind bars.
Attack Details Emerge
A carer discovered Mr Fogg’s battered body on his kitchen floor on the morning of 17 December 2020. Evidence shows he was brutally assaulted at his bungalow on the night of 14 December.
- Mr Fogg died from multiple blunt-force injuries – head, neck, chest – including fractures to his skull, collarbone and ribs.
- Footwear marks were found on his body, confirming he was stomped on.
- Both Chugg, 42, of Wembury, and Swannick, 32, with no fixed address, admitted being at the scene but blamed each other for the murder.
‘Generous Man’ Betrayed by Known Visitors
The court heard that Mr Fogg was known as a kind and generous soul who wanted to befriend everyone. Chugg and Swannick were familiar faces who had visited him multiple times before.
After the body was found, the pair fled the area and were arrested in plymouth/" title="Plymouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Plymouth a week later. Swannick initially confessed to the police, saying: “I did it,” but later claimed Chugg ‘flipped’ after drinking vodka, sparking the deadly attack. She admitted kicking Mr Fogg’s head three times.
Meanwhile, Chugg accused Swannick of stabbing Mr Fogg with scissors and stamping on him.
Judge Condemns ‘Brutal’ Act
Sentencing Judge Peter Johnson called the attack “brutal” and highlighted the defendants’ “callous indifference” to Mr Fogg’s death. He branded Chugg “an extremely dangerous man prone to violent outbursts when drunk.”
“I am satisfied both intended to kill,” the judge declared.
Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “Stephen was a vulnerable man who trusted everyone. Chugg and Swannick exploited that, carrying out a prolonged and senseless attack. They showed no remorse and tried to blame each other to escape justice.”
“This complex case involved a mountain of evidence, including CCTV and expert testimony, exposing their lies.”
“We offer our deepest condolences to Stephen’s family and hope this sentence brings them some closure.”
