Son Found Guilty of Murdering Father in Shocking Preston Attack
A Preston man has been convicted of brutally murdering his 72-year-old father in a horrific home attack.
Fatal Assault at Family Home
On 26 August last year, Austin Duckworth, 37, ignored his bail conditions and stormed into his father Stephen Duckworth’s home on St George’s Road. He violently punched his father in the head multiple times before coldly telling him to call an ambulance and walking away.
Stephen managed to contact the police and give a statement but initially refused medical help. As his condition worsened throughout the day, he was forced to call an ambulance later that evening.
Victim Dies from Devastating Injuries
At hospital, Stephen was diagnosed with a devastating brain bleed. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he tragically died on 12 October 2023.
A post-mortem revealed the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
Murder Conviction After Five-Day Trial
After a five-day trial at Preston Crown Court, Austin Duckworth, who has no fixed address, was found guilty of murder. He is due for sentencing on 16 April.
DCI Jill Riley from the Force Major Investigation Team said: “This is a tragic case involving the death of a 72-year-old man in his own home at the hands of his son. Austin Duckworth set about punching his elderly father in the head and face, continuing as he fell to his knees trying to protect himself. This was a callous and violent attack causing non-survivable injuries.”
“This case is very rare because the victim was able to provide an account of the attack to the police, which was played in court. It was extremely upsetting for Stephen’s family, who conducted themselves with dignity throughout the trial. I am pleased justice has been served and hope the verdict brings some comfort to the family.”
