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Murderer Neil Stanway
Minimum 14 years for Mayhem Crew killer
Lee Sykes26/ 9/2007
A MAN who was part of a notorious gang known as the 'Mayhem Crew' has been jailed for a minimum of 14 years for the brutal murder of a disabled drug dealer.
Neil Stanway, of MacKenzie Walk, Moorside, had - as previously
reported by the Advertiser - earlier pleaded guilty to murdering
Bryan Lord at his home in Sholver. The 20-year-old was caged for
life with 14 years the recommended minimum term.
Mr Lord was found dead at his flat on Doyle Close, in August
2006.
The 42-year-old had been subjected to a severe and sustained attack
with a type of bat that had fractured his skull. A post-mortem
revealed it was likely he was conscious for two hours after the
attack before he died.
It also emerged that Stanway was on bail at the time of the murder
for attacking a man with a foot-long kitchen knife.
In the early hours of Sunday, August 6, 2006, witnesses had seen
Stanway entering the flats and he was arrested on suspicion of
murder but refused to answer police questions.
He was later picked out in an identity parade and re-interviewed,
but once again declined to answer all questions or give a
motive.
Manchester Crown Court heard how Stanway had been drinking with his
father before the attack. Mr Lord had had a relationship with
Stanway's mother and Judge Michael Henshell said Stanway held him
responsible for the breakdown of his parents' relationship.
Nick Clarke QC, prosecuting, said that Mr Lord had let Stanway into
his flat on the night of his death. He added that Mr Lord was a
known drug dealer who kept a weapon similar to a baseball bat for
protection.
This was used to carry out the assault.
Andrew O'Byrne QC, defending, asked the judge to take into account
Stanway's age, his guilty plea and the fact he went to Mr Lord's
flat unarmed and not intending to kill him.
Sentencing Stanway to a life Judge Henshell paid tribute to the
victim's relatives who had prepared statements on the impact the
murder had on the family.
He described the attack as "particularly brutal" and the murder
scene as, "horrific".
Afterwards, Mr Lord's older brother, David, said: "It's too
lenient. He will be out in his 30s to live the rest of his life
while Bryan's life ended at 42."
Mr Lord's daughter, 17-year-old Vicky Smith, added: "It's really
hard to get over it. If I'm honest, I hate the man for doing
this.
"I'd finished my GCSEs last summer and passed them all, but dad
never got the chance to celebrate with me."
Senior Investigating Officer, Det Supt Keith Dillon, said: "Stanway
carried out a vicious and brutal attack on Bryan Lord and refused
to give police any information when he was interviewed.
"We've had tremendous support from the Sholver community without
which it may have been extremely difficult in bringing this
conviction. At times, some witnesses have even put themselves in
difficult situations, but have wanted to stand up against this
violent behaviour."
Stanway was one of several men and youths in the infamous Mayhem
Crew who were given ASBOs in 2005. They were banned from displaying
the word 'mayhem' on tattoos, clothing or shaving the word into
their hair.
Police, councillors and locals say life is now improving in the
area since the break up of the Mayhem Crew.
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27/09/2007 at 15:47