A MAN and a juvenile are beginning life sentences today after being convicted of the murder of Dean Evans.

Lee Carter, aged 23, formerly of Devon Drive, Pembroke, will serve a minimum of 12 years in jail while the juvenile, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will serve a minimum of eight years.

The verdicts were delivered at Swansea Crown Court after a trial in which the jury heard how the pair kicked to death the 25-year-old in front of his girlfriend.

Mr Evans and Carly Clark were walking to the victim's home in Buttermilk Close, Pembroke, late on August 12 last year when he became involved in what the prosecution called trivial banter' with the juvenile.

The exchange of words became heated and a short while later the juvenile attacked Mr Evans by hitting him around the head with a bag containing cans of lager.

He began kicking him to the head and then Carter, of Devon Drive, Pembroke, joined in, despite Miss Clark's screams for them to stop.

Mr Evans died two days later from brain injuries.

The judge, Mr Justice Field, said: "You attacked Dean Evans for no other reason that a feeling of hurt pride over some trifling abuse against the juvenile. You began the violence.

"Then, while he lay helpless and defenceless you both kicked him to the face and head, I am satisfied, a number of times."

Continued from page 1 Mr Justice Field said he accepted there had been limited planning of the attack and that their intention had been to cause serious injury but not death.

He said the law laid down a starting point of 12 years as the minimum number of years to be spent behind bars before being allowed to apply for parole following a conviction for murder.

He explained that he age of the juvenile allowed him to reduce that figure.

The verdicts were unanimous.

Despite an application by the press, Mr Justice Field refused to lift a Section 39 order banning the identification of the juvenile.

Before sentencing, Paul Thomas QC, prosecution, outlined the pair's previous convictions which included racially aggravated assault, theft, criminal damage, destroying property and possessing an offensive weapon for Carter, theft, shoplifting, handling stolen property and public order matters for the juvenile.

In a statement his family said: "We as Dean's family are very pleased with the verdict, however nothing can make up for the tragic and premature loss of our loved one Dean. We'd like to thank all our family and friends for their unending support throughout our difficult time."