The family of a man murdered in Lichfield have said they will never forgive his “evil” killers and called for tough sentences to be handed down to the pair.
Twenty-year-old Carl Keatley of Greencroft, Lichfield, and 16-year-old Jordan Carroll of Windmill Close, Lichfield, were convicted of killing 43-year-old Michael Eccles following a two-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Speaking after the trial, Mr Eccles brother-in-law John Bayliss aid the family were pleased with the verdict. He added:
“We hope that the sentences that are passed will be harsh enough to reflect what was a vicious and sustained attack on an innocent man. I believe in an eye for an eye. In the absence of that, life should mean life – not 15 years or less. The sentence must be a deterrent to the feral youths who terrorise our society, apparently above the law.
“We will never forgive this evil pair. They showed no mercy to a defenceless man as he lay dying on the floor. Ecky was a great man; a loving father, son, and partner. He had a heart of gold and lived life with a smile and enthusiasm that is seldom seen. Through their vicious attack they may only have stopped one heart, but they have broken many more and left lots of lives shattered.
“We look forward to justice being served. God bless you, Ecky.”
