Derek Whyteside murder: ‘My life is destroyed,' says partner Michelle
The partner of Derek Whyteside, the Telford man killed while looking for his stepchildren’s stolen bikes has told how her life has been “totally destroyed”.
An emotional victim impact statement from Michelle Beddall was delivered at Stoke Crown Court, as 16-year-old Jimmy Owens was sentenced for the murder of her partner Derek Whyteside.
Mr Whyteside, 42, from Dawley, died after being struck on the back of the head with a cricket bat by Owens on June 18. The blow fractured his skull and he died in hospital 36 hours later.
The former distribution centre worker, who was born in Australia and lived in Scotland before moving to Telford, had been out searching for bicycles stolen from the home he shared with Ms Beddall when he was fatally injured.
Owens, of Lawns Wood, Malinslee, Telford, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 10 years after being found guilty of murder at trial.
His father William, 41, and uncle Gareth, 39, both of Boulton Grange, Randlay, Telford, were sentenced to 20 months custody after admitting charges of affray.
Both men had punched Mr Whyteside as he lay dying from his injuries.
Mr Whyteside had gone looking for those he believed responsible for taking the bikes, and took a knuckleduster with him.
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Sentencing, Judge Paul Glenn said: “Derek Whyteside was no saint, he had his demons in the form of alcohol and drugs. He behaved badly on the day in question but paid a terrible and totally unjustified price for doing so.”
In a statement read by prosecution barrister Kevin Hegarty QC, Ms Beddall said her life had been destroyed by Owens’ actions.
She said: “I remember the telephone call I had with the police officer as clear as anything. That was the day my life changed forever. It has never been the same and never will be again.”
Ms Beddall added: “My life has been totally destroyed and I will never get over the loss of Derek. Day by day I just find it is getting harder. I just hate what they have done to me and my kids. It is only because of my kids that I get out of bed in the morning.
“My life will never be the same. I do not see my friends any more, and I do not go out, I don’t answer the door to anyone, I just work to provide for my family.”
Ms Beddall also expressed anger at the fact that Owens had denied the offence, meaning she had to relive the evidence at trial.
She said: “I am having to go through hell because they acted like a pack of animals and cannot admit what they have done.
"I have lost my life and my family because of a man trying to do the right thing for his kids."
Coverage of the court case:
A statement from Mr Whyteside’s father, Alan, was also read to the court.
He described how his son had been an enthusiastic sportsman growing up in Adelaide, where he was born, and had loved playing Aussie Rules Football. He recounted how he had struggled with reading as a child, but how hard work saw him catch up.
Mr Whyteside also spoke about his son’s battle with drugs and alcohol, and said that a sentence for shoplifting had seen him get the rehabilitation help he needed.
He spoke of the way his son had fallen in love with Ms Beddall.
He said: “He was starting to turn his life around for the better and we were very proud of his determination to change. My son was no saint but he would always protect his family and friends. He saw the best in everyone.”
The murder investigation was led by Detective Inspector Mark Bellamy, who said said: “I’m pleased with this sentence and hope it brings some kind of justice for Derek’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with his tragic death and our thoughts remain with them at this time.
“I would also like to thank the local community for their support and cooperation throughout our investigation.”
