Swindon murder: Paul Warren jailed for life after brutal street attack

Paul Warren brutally assaulted and robbed 54-year-old Martin Brown in the Beechcroft Road area of Stratton while he carried shopping from Aldi home on the night of January 27, 2022.

The injuries and stress caused by the attack, as well as the six hours spent lying unconscious outdoors until he was found by an off-duty paramedic and taken to hospital, worsened Martin’s pre-existing cirrhosis and led to fatal liver failure on February 7.

When his daughter Natalie saw him, his injuries were so severe that she did not recognise him.

Several relatives were at his bedside when he died, though his son Cameron did not get a chance to say goodbye and his mother Stephanie had to listen over the phone as both lived in South Africa and could not fly over in time.

Stephanie was diagnosed with motor neurone disease one month after he died. The family say that the heartbreak of her son’s loss accelerated her decline in health.

A police mugshot of Paul Warren (Image: Wiltshire Police)

Warren, 25, of Victoria Road, pleaded guilty to murder and robbery, receiving life imprisonment with a minimum of 20 years for the former charge along with at least four years for the latter which will run concurrently.

A court heard that Warren had five previous convictions for robbery, had mental health issues and personality disorders due to childhood trauma, and was on licence from prison at the time of the attack.

Robbie Ross, defending, said Warren “was abandoned at 15 and lived a feral life fending for himself” before being declared “dangerous” at 19 and was “an accident waiting to happen” since opportunities to provide him with professional help had been missed.

On the night in question, Warren decided he would rob the next person he saw to get money for crack cocaine. He spotted Martin - who had missed the last bus to Queensfield - then threatened him, knocked him to the ground, kicked him in the head, and punched him until his victim handed over a wallet and provided a PIN.

Warren used the stolen bank card to get £20 cashback and buy a bottle of cider at The Baker’s Arms, returned to the bus shelter where Martin lay, hit him again, then left the scene. Martin tried to stumble home but collapsed in the street.

His loved ones were moved to tears as CCTV footage of the attack played in court while Warren looked at the floor.

Martin's sister Gail read a personal impact statement: “What happened will change many people’s lives forever and I cannot bear the thought of this happening to anyone else.

“Martin was a good man, very popular, with lots of friends, and always the joker. He was proud of his children and loved his grandchildren. He had lots to live for, but he was taken from us too soon.

“The thought of Martin being attacked and lying in the cold all night is unbearable. He didn’t deserve this.

"A tear rolled down his cheek as he took his last breath.

“[This] has made me more nervous of my surroundings when I am out and who is around, because Martin was just walking along that day, minding his own business.

“His memory will live on with his family and children.”

Martin was born in Swindon and spent many years in South Africa before moving back to the UK in his 30s, joining the British Army, and then working as a tradesman.

Son Cameron added: “He was a jovial person and fun at heart, he cherished life experiences and his friends and family.

“It hurts me to know that I could not have been there by his side in his last moments.

“It’s very unfair that we were robbed of our father and that his grandchildren will never get to know him. I would not wish anything like this on my worst enemy.”

Daughter Natalie said: “The way my dad died was inhumane.

“He was a man of many talents who was selfless and had love for every being on earth.

“He always wanted to give back to the world and, sadly, he was repaid in such a catastrophic way.

“He had the best sense of humour. His smile would light up a room. He wanted to spread happiness to those around him.

“Words can’t describe the hole this has left in our hearts, and he will forever be remembered for his kind nature. He is deeply missed by everyone who knew and adored him.”

Martin was a father to Cameron, Janine, Terry, and Natalie, grandfather to Sierra, Hailie and Aaron, brother to Gail, and son of Stephanie and Terry.

Det Chief Insp Phil Walker said: “This was a completely random attack and Warren’s actions were totally cowardly. He has devastated a family and all who knew Martin.

“Violence of this severity will not be tolerated. We are committed to reducing violent incidents within our county and creating safer public spaces so people do not feel fearful when out and about in Wiltshire.

“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Martin’s family, who have had their world turned upside down by Warren’s actions.

“Despite this, they have acted with dignity throughout this ordeal. My thoughts are with them at what continues to be an incredibly difficult time.”