TWO brothers who "acted in concert" to carry out a "sustained, pitiless and horrifically savage attack" on an east Belfast man have been informed they will each serve a minimum prison sentence of 17 years for murder.
James and William Turner beat Matthew Goddard to death in his Chobham Street home late on the evening of December 23, 2014. They battered him with fists, feet and an electric guitar before taking turns to stamp on his head as he lay at the bottom of his stairs.
During the fatal attack, which lasted around ten minutes, the Belfast brothers made the 41-year old victim crawl on all fours, apologising for an alleged comment he made about James Turner being 'a sandwich short of a picnic.'
Mr Goddard - whose lifeless body was discovered wrapped in a curtain at the bottom of the stairs the following evening - is believed to have been alive when the Turner brothers, and co-accused Christian Walker, left his house.
Just prior to launching their murderous attack on Mr Goddard, the Turner brothers had been socialising in the King Richard pub. Following an argument over a game of pool, a reveller in the bar was attacked by William Turner.
Whilst on the ground, William Turner jumped on the man and gouged his eye. As a result, the man is now completely blind in one eye.
Passing sentence, Mr Justice Treacey said that prior to the incident in both the King Dick and the murder of Mr Goddard, the Turners has consumed drink and cocaine.
Mr Justice Treacey said William Turner later admitted that it was his intention that night to "go round and give Matt a good slap" for the comment he made about his brother James.
Both brothers came before the court with criminal records, which includes previous offences for violence. At an earlier court hearing, they were each handed life sentences after they pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Goddard.
William Turner (37) from Glenlea Grove and his 30-year old brother, from Dunraven Court, were each told they will have to serve a minimum sentence of 17 years - without any remission - before they are considered eligible for release by the Paroles Commission.
William was also given a discretionary life sentence with a tariff of ten years for the assault in the King Richard which blinded a man in one eye.
Co-accused Christian Walker - who was with the Turners at the murder but who did not participate - provided a false alibi for the brothers.
The 27-year old, from Ribble Street, admitted two offences - namely perverting the Course of Justice, and conspiring with the Turner brothers with intent to pervert the course of justice.
Walker was given an 18-month prison sentence which was suspended for two years.