Police branded a live-streamed attack on a frail and vulnerable Nottingham man in his own home as "sadistic". Declan O’Donnell, 24, previously of Mansfield Road, Nottingham, was jailed yesterday (Friday, May 19) over the murder of his aunt’s partner, Paul Cox, 63, who died eight days after the horrific attack in February.
He was handed a mandatory life sentence for murder, after he was convicted by a jury on Monday (May 15). His minimum term was set at 21 years and 272 days before he will be eligible to apply for parole.
Nottingham Crown Court heard O'Donnell has PTSD, ADHD, alcohol dependency, and an emotionally unstable personality disorder. Speaking after the case, Detective Inspector Melanie Crutchley, of Nottinghamshire Police, said she was pleased O’Donnell had been brought to justice.
Read more: Life sentence for Nottingham murderer who live-streamed horrific attack
“This was a truly horrifying attack, almost defying belief in its brutality and utterly senseless nature," she said.“Not only was Paul beaten unconscious over a prolonged period of time, O’Donnell was lucid enough to live stream the attack on his mobile phone, showing no mercy throughout.
“It was a sadistic attack and, by refusing to accept responsibility for his horrendous actions, O’Donnell subjected Paul’s loved ones to further pain by taking the case to trial, where the footage had to be replayed in open court.
“The sentence will not bring Paul back, but it does mean that O’Donnell will spend a considerable part of his life behind bars, and I hope this gives his family some comfort.
“I would also like to thank the jury members for the professionalism they have shown, having had to sit and watch the attack clip by clip. No doubt the barbarity of O’Donnell’s actions will stay with them for the rest of their lives as well.”
"Nothing can bring our Paul back"
The sentence was welcomed by Mr Cox’s family, who said in a joint statement: “We wish to thank the police and the legal team in helping us to achieve justice for Paul.
“We are pleased with the outcome, but as a family we are so saddened at the thought of how many lives this has destroyed.
“Nothing can bring our Paul back, and although it does not make what has happened any easier to deal with, we believe that this was truly the right result.
“For our family, the past 15 months have been the most difficult time of our lives, and now that this is over we can finally focus on grieving for Paul.
“Our thoughts are with everyone that has been impacted by what Declan O’Donnell did that night.”
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- Live updates as Nottingham murderer sentenced over attack he live-streamed
- Jury due to deliberate in trial of 2 brothers charged with pensioner's murder
- Jurors in Nottingham murder trial told they are under 'no time pressure'
