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Man given life sentence for Chorley murder
A 34-year-old man has been given a life sentence for murdering John Paul Bennett last September.
Phillip Stewart, from the Avenue in Adlington, has been told he must serve a minimum of 18 years before being eligible to apply for parole for the brutal murder of John Paul Bennett.
The 30-year-old victim was subjected to a vicious assault at the house in the Avenue on September 17, 2009.
A post mortem examination revealed the cause of death as head injuries inflicted by using severe force.
Three other people have also been sentenced for their involvement in the murder.
Christen Gardner, 26, also of the Avenue, has been sentenced to three years after she pleaded guilty to assisting an offender.
Kevin Forbes, 53, of Leyland Lane, Leyland, has also been sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to assisting an offender.
Alan Barton, 56, also of Leyland Lane, Leyland, has been sentenced to 30 months after pleading guilty to assisting an offender.
Det Ch Insp Andy Hulme from the Force Major Investigation Team said: "I am pleased with the sentences handed down by the judge today and feel that they reflect the severity of the crime.
"Today brings an end to a long protracted investigation and I hope that it will allow the family to start to grieve for their loss. They have conducted themselves with such dignity throughout this investigation and we will continue to support them for as long as they need it."
All four have already served 164 days on remand.
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Weather for Chorley
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -5 C to -0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
