A vicious gang whose targeted robbery led to the death of an innocent man “partied the night away” as their victim lay dying on his bed.
The four men intended to steal money from their friend Thomas Edmunds that he had saved up during his time working as a labourer.
However, 36-year-old Edmunds was killed after being put in a fatal chokehold as the thugs carried out the burglary in May 2021.
Thomas Broadhurst, Kevin Nethercote, Terence Bennett and Kevin Condliffe were jailed for their crimes this week at court.
The jury heard how the men took pictures of themselves showing off Mr Edmunds’ cash as he lay dying in his bedroom.
Prosecutor Ian Unsworth, QC, said: “A photo found by police showed the defendants holding a number of Bank of England notes.
“Broadhurst is pictured in the front seat.
“It is clear that in the vehicle they were perfectly happy with what they had achieved through their robbery.”
They then bought alcohol and ketamine before going back to the Croxteth home shared by Nethercote and Broadhurst, according to Liverpool Echo.
It was here that police arrested three of the group after being called to a separate incident at the house later in the night.
Condliffe was found by police at the address but was allowed to leave before coming under suspicion for the robbery and being arrested at his home shortly afterwards.
It was Thomas Broadhurst who put Edmunds, whom he had been friends with for 20 years, in the fatal headlock which caused his death.
The four were jailed yesterday after Broadhurst admitted manslaughter and conspiracy to rob and Bennett, Nethercote and Condliffe admitted conspiracy to rob.
Addressing their actions after the attack, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Andrew Menary, QC, said they showed no concern for Edmunds after stealing hundreds of pounds in cash from him.
Judge Menary said: “This was then spent on more drink and potentially drugs while some of you parted the night away.”
Judge Menary also lifted reporting restrictions protecting 17-year-old Condliffe’s identity, just weeks before his 18th birthday.
Broadhurst, was sentenced to 10 years, eight months. Bennett, 34, and Nethercote, 48, were sentenced to eight years and nine years four months respectively after admitting conspiracy to rob.
Condliffe, of Carr Lane East, Croxteth, was sentenced to five years.
Following the conclusion of the case, Merseyside Police’s senior investigator on the case, Detective Superintendent Simon Vaughn, thanked the Edmunds family, police and prosecutors for getting the four off the streets.
DS Vaughan said: “We are pleased to see today’s outcome, which we hope at least brings some comfort to Thomas’s family and friends, who have been left completely devastated by his death.
“This was a shocking case, in which a planned robbery of Thomas at his home had tragic consequences.
“Broadhurst and his accomplices have now been removed from the streets for the foreseeable future, left to reflect on the huge impact of their actions through the whole community.
“I’d like to thank Thomas’s family for their strength and dignity throughout this difficult process, thankfully one which was made slightly more bearable by the defendants’ guilty pleas.
“I’d also like to recognise the dedication and hard work of our investigation team, prosecuting counsel and CPS in ensuring this successful outcome.
“Violent crime can lead to catastrophic consequences and we’re determined to identify and remove from the streets all of those who use threats, intimidation and violence to carry out their criminal business.
“Information from those people and communities affected can be key to bringing such people to justice, so come forward with anything you know about violent crime where you are, and we will do the rest.”
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