Two men have been found guilty of the murder of a Scots dad who died after a horror attack on a work trip in Wales.
Festival worker Andrew Main, 33, from Falkirk, died in hospital after he was brutally battered in Swansea on July 17, 2024. Joseph Dix, 26, from Frome, Somerset, and Macauley Ruddock, 28, from Bath, Somerset, both denied the dad-of-two’s murder but were found guilty at Swansea Crown Court on Monday.
The court heard that all three were visiting the area for work, staying at the same hotel in the city centre, and met for the first time at a nearby bar. But later that night, a row broke out at the hotel between Dix, Ruddock, Mr Main and his colleague, Michael Bell.
The fight spilled onto the street before Mr Main rushed to the aid of his co-worker, who was being set upon by Dix and Ruddock, before the attack turned on him. Mr Main was initially rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Heath, Cardiff, before being transferred to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, having suffered a brain injury.
He never regained consciousness. The court heard that Mr Main went outside the hotel as a “peacekeeper” and “died as a result of what happened to him as he ran away from these two males.”
Addressing Dix and Ruddock in the dock, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “There can only be one sentence for murder and that is imprisonment for life but I have to fix the term you will have to serve before you can be considered for release.”
The pair will be sentenced on Friday. Mr Main’s family previously described the father as “loyal” and the “best brother, dad and uncle” who loved football.
His heartbroken sister, Sharon Lee, said: “Andrew is loyal and the best brother, dad, and uncle. Becoming a dad was the making of Andrew. His friends absolutely idolise him. His friends are like his brothers because we lost our parents very young.
“He’s a brilliant football player, loves cycling, and was healthy and fit. He also loves his dog Dottie. He works at festivals and has an absolute passion for music. He had recently worked away in Saudi in October or November doing a festival there.”
Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton said: “We are pleased to hear of the murder conviction for both Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock. Both men were visiting Swansea for work, as was Andrew Main.
“All three were staying at the same city centre hotel, and met for the first time at a nearby bar. Later that night, an argument broke out back at the hotel between Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock and Andrew Main and his friend Michael Bell.
“This argument moved onto the street, before Dix and Ruddock chased after Andrew Main, ultimately striking him unconscious before carrying out a sustained attack. While the parties had all consumed alcohol that night, that does not provide an excuse for the level of violence displayed by Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock.
“They clearly set out to cause serious injury to their victim, and now will face significant prison sentences for their actions. Our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family and friends, who have been devastated by what has happened and continue to grieve his loss.
“This case highlights how the effects of intoxicants can negatively affect behaviour and decision-making. Had Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers.”
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