Man given life sentence for murder of friend
A man has been given a life sentence in prison for murdering his housemate.
Gareth Rowton, 35, is already serving an 11.5 year sentence for the wounding of David Stanton, after the pair were involved in an altercation in an alleyway outside their home on Old Fallow Road, Cannock, on November 9 2012.
As a result of the injuries he received, Mr Stanton was hospitalised and remained in care for the rest of his life.
He died on June 29, 2015 at the age of 61 and a forensic post-mortem examination established the cause of death was delayed complications of a severe brain injury.
Following David’s death detectives were authorised to charge Rowton with murder by the Crown Prosecution Service, on behalf of the Attorney General.
Rowton pleaded guilty to murder at Stafford Crown Court today and has now been handed a life sentence, to serve a minimum term of nine years, 305 days.
DI Dan Ison, from Staffordshire Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with David’s family at this difficult time.
“Sadly David never fully recovered from the injuries he suffered in 2012 and remained in care, and in and out of hospital, for the rest of his life.
“David’s family are as devastated now as they were five years ago - at which point they felt they lost the happy, funny and intelligent man they once knew.
“Despite the friendship David and Gareth shared they did have what has been described as violent rows, which often resulted in injury, due to the amount of alcohol they consumed.
“On this occasion the row escalated out of control and resulted in David’s serious injuries which ultimately led to his death years later.
“Although today’s sentence is to be welcomed it has come at a heavy price.”
