Hove: Three Jailed Over Seafront Murder

4 November 2013, 14:33 | Updated: 4 November 2013, 15:21

Two men have been jailed for life after being found guilty of the murder of homeless man on Hove seafront.

51 year old Michael Clark and 49 year old Edward Phillips must serve and minimum of 16 years for killing 45 year old Lea Williams where he slept.

He was battered to death at the Western Esplanade near the pitch-and-putt on Hove seafront in February this year.

36 year old Lauren Bishop was also jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of conspiracy to murder at Lewes Crown Court.

The prosecution said that Clark and Phillips murdered Mr Williams at the 'request' of Bishop after an arguement.

The Court heard that Bishop confronted Mr Williams after he swore and someone while he was drinking with some homeless friends that included Clark and Phillips near Portland Road in Hove.

The jury was told that Mr Williams was hit 20 to 30 times possibly with the metal pole that he kept with him for protection.

His boy was found three days later by volunteers who had gone to take him food.

Hear our interview with DCI Ian Pollard