Barry killer jailed for life after murdering grandfather with hammer

Lee Whitlock, 53, will have to serve at least 18 years in prison after he admitted murdering 61-year-old Robert Farley in his Barry flat.

The defendant attacked his victim after “losing it” when he was drinking with him last September.

MORE NEWS: Look who’s been in court from Barry

Stuart Trimmer QC, prosecuting, told Cardiff Crown Court: “A significant weapon was used in the killing. It took place in the victim’s home.

“He used a hammer to kill Mr Farley. The hammer has never been found.

Lee Whitlock

“It is clear it was disposed of by this defendant."

He added Witlock had said another man "might be responsible for the attack".

MORE NEWS: Barry man admits hospital sex attack

Mr Trimmer said Whitlock had previous convictions with the most relevant being a 40-month jail sentence for robbery from 2015.

He told the court how the defendant had attacked his victim, who he was living with, with a baseball bat and demanded cash.

Robert Farley

That complainant suffered a head injury and a broken arm.

“It seems the defendant takes advantage of vulnerable people and exploits them for money,” Mr Trimmer added.

Sarah Jones QC, representing Whitlock, said: "This was an unplanned incident, the two were drinking together as they have many times before and an argument began, during the course of which (the murder) was done.

"The weapon was taken from the windowsill of Mr Farley's flat and was not taken to the scene by Mr Whitlock."

She added that her client had struggled with alcohol problems and his mental health.

The court was asked to take his guilty plea into consideration.

Judge Daniel Williams told Whitlock: “Mr Farley, known as Bob or Bobby, was 61 when he died.

“The court has read that he was a much-loved brother, a loving father and grandfather.

“He is described by one of his sisters as a gentle and loving man.

“He was a placid man who avoided confrontation.

“In happier days, before alcohol had taken a hold of Mr Farley’s life, he was clearly a practical man and sociable with a large circle of cherished friends.”

Whitlock, of West Walk, Barry, will have to serve a minimum tariff of 18 years and one month before he is eligible for release.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lewis, from South Wales Police, said: “The show that Whitlock put on for officers at the scene, claiming to know nothing of what happened to someone that he called a friend, truly shows the lack of remorse right from the offset of this investigation.

“It is down to the painstaking work of officers and staff at the scene, the forensic and CCTV examination, and follow up enquiries that developed such strong evidence against him, that Whitlock pleaded guilty and has today been put in jail to face the consequences of his actions.”