Gulf veteran given four life sentences after family killings
Former soldier handed four life sentences manslaughter of four family members
Wednesday, 09, Apr 2008 04:24
A former soldier has been handed four life sentences after admitting to the manslaughter of four members of his family in Newcastle in 2006.
David Bradley, who served in the first Gulf war, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, pleaded guilty on the grounds of diminished responsibility to killing his uncle Peter Purcell, and aunt Josie, both 70, and their sons Keith, 44, and Glen, 41, at their home in Benwell Grove.
He will serve a minimum of 15 years and although psychiatrists confirmed he is mentally ill, he will not be sent to a psychiatric hospital indefinitely as his condition is not treatable.
Passing sentence at Newcastle crown court, Judge David Hodson said Bradley's mental problems made his release on parole unlikely.
"The parole board would never contemplate releasing you unless it was completely and utterly satisfied you pose no risk whatsoever to other members of your family or the wider public," he added.
"From all I have read for this case I am of the opinion that your psychiatric disorder and mental illness are of such a degree it may never be safe for you to be returned to the community."
Bradley walked into Westgate police station, around half a mile from the house, at 06:15 BST on July 8th 2006 with a bag he claimed contained a homemade nail bomb, a handgun with a silencer, a pump-action shotgun and a quantity of ammunition.
He was originally charged with four counts of murder after handing himself into a police station on July 8th 2006, but psychiatrists later classified him as mentally ill.
Chief Superintendent Paul Weir, Newcastle area commander, said after today's sentencing: "This was a terrible case and my sympathy is with the relatives of the Purcell family.
"Murders of this scale are unusual in Newcastle, however, we understand the concern this caused in the community and officers have worked hard to ensure Bradley was arrested and brought before the court."