Man jailed for killing his brother from Malvern

Steven Barnes, 64, has been jailed for 20 years after killing his brother and assaulting his mother, who has also since died.

Barnes’ brother, Malvern resident Paul Hawkesford-Barnes, was found dead at their mother’s address in Coventry with head and upper body injuries in March of this year.

Mr Hawkesford-Barnes had been helping to care for his mother who was in her 80s and suffering from dementia.

In a statement his wife, Juliet Hawkesford-Barnes, said: "Our children and I are truly devastated at the loss of Paul and the unforgivable events that Paul and Irene suffered.

"Paul was a friendly, loyal and funny person with a huge personality, his death has left a huge hole in the lives of our family and many of his friends.

"We would like to thank West Midlands Police and Victim Support for all their hard work, guidance and support during these terrible months.

"As a family, we ask that our privacy is respected as we grieve and deal with this traumatic loss."

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Paul Hawkesford-Barnes (Image: West Midlands Police)

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Barnes pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his brother on the grounds of diminished responsibility and attempted wounding of his mother, Irene.

She was discovered with facial injuries and has since died, although not as a direct result of her injuries.

Barnes, of Telfer Road in Coventry, was jailed today, Friday November 18, at Leamington Justice Centre.

For the attempted wounding of his mum, he will receive a four-year sentence to run concurrently.

Paul Hawkesford-Barnes from Malvern was found dead earlier this year. His mother, Irene, suffered injuries. (Image: West Midlands Police)

Detective Inspector Ranj Sangha, from our homicide team, added: "What happened that night has ripped apart a family.

“It's hard to imagine the pain and suffering they've all experienced at the loss of Paul and Irene.

"This was a brutal attack on Paul and what happened to him, along with her own recollections of what went on, will undoubtedly have impacted upon Irene.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.”