Swindon man jailed for life for murdering his uncle

Grant Walker, of Faringdon Road, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 12-and-a-half years, at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, October 4.

The 32-year-old had previously been found guilty of murdering Terry Ricketts, 53, following a five-day trial.

On February 25, Walker seriously assaulted his uncle at his home in Westbourne Court, putting him in a headlock and striking his head against a wall numerous times.

Police say the incident was an “unprovoked assault”, and Terry subsequently went into cardiac arrest and was declared dead at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency crews.

Following the incident, Walker left the scene, but he was later located by police and arrested, before being charged with murder and remanded in custody.

READ MORE: Swindon man GUILTY of murdering uncle in 'vicious, unprovoked assault'

Grant Walker has been sentenced for murder (Image: Wiltshire Police) Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Debbie Hatch has previously described Walker’s actions as “a vicious and violent unprovoked assault.”

She hopes the lengthy sentence will bring Terry’s family “some form of closure.”

DI Hatch said: “This has been an awful experience for Terry’s family and, while nothing can bring him back, I hope today’s sentencing can bring some form of closure for them.

“I’d like to thank them again for their patience and support with the investigation, which has culminated with this sentence.

“I would also like to commend and thank all the officers who have been involved in this incident since the terrible night when Terry was murdered – their hard work has been vital in bringing about this sentence.”

Following Terry’s death, the 53-year-old was described by his family as the “best dad and granddad”, as well as a “devoted husband and a good friend to everyone.”

Terry Ricketts, 53, was attacked by his nephew at his home in Swindon (Image: Wiltshire Police) At the time, his daughter Kayleigh added: “He was a lovely man who would do anything for anyone.

“He was the best dad to me and my brother Kyle and the best grandad to his 6 grandchildren, Nevaeh, Theo, Aaliyah, Keira-Leigh, Kai, Kylah-Rae.

“He loved his fishing and his music, he loved his films, especially Band of Brothers, loved doing DIY stuff and teaching others how to do stuff.”

Tributes to Terry poured in following his murder, with many remembering him as a Swindon “legend.”

One person said: “R.I.P – Terry Ricketts what a loss. Thinking of your family forever a legend.”