Brothers jailed for life over murder of 26-year-old man
TWO brothers have been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a 26-year-old in Totton in an attack compared to that of a “pack of wolves”.
Charlie George Thomas Cooper (19), of Ashby Road, Totton, and Sidney Andrew Cooper (26), of no fixed abode, were sentenced at Winchester Crown Court for the killing of Courtney Jones in Salisbury Road in August last year.
They were found guilty on Friday after a three-week trial before being sent down today (Monday).
Sidney Cooper was handed a minimum term of 18 years behind bars and Charlie Cooper at least 15.
The jury had been told a carving knife was plunged into Mr Jones’ chest and abdomen in what was described by prosecutor Adam Feest as a “frenzied” attack on a driveway.
The brothers had him in a headlock, punched him a number of times, and kicked and stamped on him, said Mr Feest, and at one point they even hit him with a brick.
The pair seized a bag Mr Jones had been carrying and “threw it down” on the motionless victim as he lay bleeding to death, Mr Feest added.
The jury heard accusations that Mr Jones was a drug-dealer and had been carrying substances in his bag on the night of his death.
Neighbours tried to saved Mr Jones including a nurse who gave him CPR before medics arrived. He was rushed to Southampton General Hospital but died from blood loss within an hour of the stabbing.
After the sentencing, Det. Supt Tim Rowlandson of Hampshire Police said: “This was a vicious attack in which the victim was repeatedly punched, kicked and stabbed.
“Our thoughts today are with Courtney’s family, his partner and his child, who will live with the effects of this incident for the rest of their lives.
“These sentences cannot bring Courtney back, but I hope they allow them a degree of closure on this tragic incident.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of public and paramedics who tried desperately to save Courtney’s life and the many officers who have worked diligently to investigate what happened and bring the offenders to justice.”
Full court report in your 50p A&T on Friday.
