A Swindon man has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 12-and-a-half years, after being found guilty of murdering his uncle. Grant Walker, 32, of Faringdon Road, appeared at Bristol Crown Court today for sentencing following his conviction for the murder of 53-year-old Terry Ricketts.
The murder took place on 25 February this year inside Terry’s home in Westbourne Court, Swindon. Walker carried out a brutal and unprovoked assault, placing his uncle in a headlock and repeatedly striking his head against a wall. The violent attack caused Terry to go into cardiac arrest, and despite the best efforts of emergency services, he was declared dead at the scene.
Walker fled after the assault but was found by police officers the next morning and subsequently arrested. He was charged with murder and remained in custody until his trial. In August, after a five-day trial, a jury found Walker guilty of the offence.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Debbie Hatch expressed her condolences to the family and acknowledged the difficult time they had endured. “This has been an awful experience for Terry’s family and, while nothing can bring him back, I hope today’s sentencing can bring some form of closure for them,” she said.
DI Hatch also praised the officers involved in the investigation, whose efforts were instrumental in securing Walker’s conviction. “I would like to commend and thank all the officers who have been involved in this incident since the terrible night when Terry was murdered. Their hard work has been vital in bringing about this sentence,” she added.
Terry Ricketts’ family has been supported by specially trained officers throughout the investigation, and they hope that the sentencing will help bring some sense of justice for their loved one.
