12 hours Ago By [email protected] (David Powell)
A man was today jailed for life for the "ferocious and merciless" murder of his flatmate. Matthew Hardy inflicted 40 injuries on Antony Derwent after cuckooing, or taking, over his home in Gwersyllt. A judge at Mold Crown Court today said there had been an "explosion" of rage from the 37-year-old killer from Wrexham but only he will know why he targeted his victim - who was 5ft 5fin tall, visually impaired and had mobility problems.
Mr Derwent, who was 16 years older than his killer, sustained a broken spine and seven rib fractures, and severe mouth and head injuries in the attack in Wheat Close on April 6 or early April 7 last year. He was left breathing out droplets of blood on a landing bannister while "cynical" Hardy began playing computer games and dreaming up an alibi. You can sign up for all the latest court stories here As he was dying by drowning in his own blood, Hardy span lies by messaging a friend to say Mr Derwent had been assaulted by someone else and that he - Hardy - was with him in hospital.
He also went to a neighbour's house but was no allowed in. Today the judge His Honour Rhys Rowlands said it had been a ferocious and merciless murder. "Explosive" losses of temper are often unexplained, especially when alcohol was consumed, as Hardy had.
But he said: "It was a dreadful way for Mr Derwent to die." The judge jailed Hardy for life with a minimum term of 21 years minus 358 days spend on remand in custody. It means he will serve 20 years and six days before he can apply for parole.
Hardy, in a white shirt, dark tie and trousers, stood impassively in the dock to hear his sentence. Earlier a powerful victim statement by Mr Derwent's son Owain Derwent was read out in court by prosecutor Simon Rogers. Owain Derwent said: "I feel anger, frustration, sadness, guilt, loss and disappointment.
" Mr Derwent's sister Sian Walker said her brother had a "heart of gold". Speaking after sentencing, Detective Constable Phil Williams, the investigating officer, said: “For reasons known only to himself, Matthew Hardy callously and brutally committed this heinous crime against his supposed friend, who posed no threat to him. “I hope this conviction provides some closure to Antony’s family, and our thoughts remain with them.
" Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Chris Bell added: “Firstly I would like to convey our sincere condolences to Antony’s family, and although no outcome at court will ease their pain, I hope that knowing Hardy will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison will bring them some comfort." Find crime figures for your area.
