Worcestershire man gets life for murder

A Worcestershire man was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his cousin.

At Worcester Crown Court yesterday, Roger Troughton, aged 74 of Bushley near Tewkesbury, was found guilty of murdering 59-year-old Robin Troughton, who also lived in the village, in April 2011.

Roger admitted hitting Robin with a spade during a confrontation at the family home on 3 April and Robin suffered serious head injuries, dying in hospital on 22 April.

Roger pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but following a two-week trial, a jury found him guilty of murder. This morning Judge Robert Juckes sentenced him to serve a life tariff of 12 years minus 272 days already spent in prison on remand.

Superintendent Steve Eccleston, who led the investigation into the death, said:

"This has been a tragic time for the Troughton family and our thoughts are with them, particularly Robin's mother, Barbara, and brother, Tim."

"The court heard of the events that led up to Robin's death and considerable detail of how the family have supported Robin over the years. Although Robin's illness had clearly placed a burden on the family they, with the support of their friends, had done all they could to help Robin.

"It is therefore of great sadness to all involved that Robin's life should have ended in such violent and regrettable circumstances.

 "Finally, I would like to thank everyone in the local community who assisted our investigation. Bushley is a tight-knit community, and the impact of this incident has affected many in the area."