Two men have been found guilty of the murder of a Scotsdad who died after a horror attack on a work trip in Wales.
Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock repeatedly punched Festival worker Andrew Main as he lay bleeding on the pavement, inflicting devastating brain injuries, which sadly ended his life. Dix, 26, from Frome, Somerset, and Ruddock, 28, from Bath, Somerset, both denied the dad-of-two’s murder but were found guilty at Swansea Crown Court on Monday, reports Wales Online.
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 court heard that all three were visiting the area for work, staying at the same hotel in the city centre, and met for the by chance for the first time at the Coyote Ugly bar on Wind Street on July 16 last year.
Dix and Ruddock were in the company of a couple they had met that night, Hannah Tedstone and Katrina Matthews, while Mr Main, from Falkirk was with friend Michael Bell. All three had been drinking on the night in question and the defendants also took cocaine which they had just bought.
The night started calmly, with Mr Main giving the defendants cash for the pool tables in return for being bought a drink. However, a row broke out at the Travelodge Hotel on Princess Way in the early hours of the following morning.
Just after 2am the four men became involved in a confrontation on the pavement outside the hotel which developed into a fight. Mr Bell quickly fled the scene leaving 26-year-old Dix and 28-year-old Ruddock to carry out a “two-on-one” assault on Mr Main.
The incident ended with the defendants chasing Mr Main down the steps outside the Travelodge and Dix throwing a punch which floored their victim. Dix and Ruddock continued the attack by repeatedly punching Mr Main to the head while shouting abuse – despite the fact he was motionless and bleeding.
Dix and Ruddock then high-fived over the body of the stricken man, and Dix was seen to re-enact the powerful punch which had floored their victim. Mr Main was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff suffering with catastrophic brain injuries and multiple facial fractures.
The 33-year-old’s level of consciousness on the widely used Glasgow Coma Scale was three out of 15, the lowest possible score. He was soon transferred to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh to be nearer his family. Tragically, he died four weeks after the Princess Way assault having never regained consciousness.
Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock were initially arrested and charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent but following Mr Main’s death the pair were charged with murder. The pair have denied murder, claiming self-defence after Mr Main threw punches their way. The pair accepted that Mr Main had been knocked to the floor but denied punching him once he was on the ground.
It was the prosecution case that the defendants had been the “aggressors” on the night in question and had pursued Mr Main from the hotel and attacked him. The jury found the defendants guilty after five hours and 11 minutes deliberation.
Addressing the pair in the dock Judge Paul Thomas KC told them there was only one sentence for the offence of murder and that was life imprisonment. He said the question for the court was the minimum length of time they would have to serve before they could apply for parole. The defendants will be sentenced on Friday.
After his death in August, Andrew’s sister, Nikki Main, paid tribute to her brother through police. She said: “Andrew – my baby brother – was sadly taken from us far too soon. He was adored by family and friends and beloved by more.
“We are absolutely devastated by his sudden passing and ask anyone with information to please, please come forward. He will forever live in our hearts and memories.
“He was a witty man with a huge heart – loyal to the core. He was a fabulous brother, fun uncle, and supportive daddy to his two children. There will never be anyone like Andrew. The hole that has been left in our hearts will never be filled.
“Everyone in our community has been grief-stricken, but we have rallied together as one at this sad time. As a family, we are destroyed by what has happened to Andrew. We can’t thank everyone enough for the love and support they have shown.”
Speaking after the sentencing South Wales Police detective inspector Claire Lamerton said had the defendants chosen to walk away from the confrontation, “a life would have been saved”.
She said: “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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