Man sentenced to life in prison for killing vulnerable flat-mate
A man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murdering his vulnerable flat-mate in Leeds.
Scott Silkstone, 51, was found guilty of attacking Dwayne Tuohey, 55, on New Year’s Day this year before dragging him from his flat and repeatedly stamping on him in public.
At Leeds Crown Court the judge sentenced Silkstone, of no fixed address, to life with a minimum term of 22 years.
Dwayne was found unconscious by paramedics near bins outside the flats where he lived at Gargrave Court, Burmantofts on January 1.
He was taken to hospital but later died of his injuries.
Forensic evidence revealed a scene of extreme violence within the living room.
Blood was found throughout the room and on a number of objects, including a prosthetic leg, a crutch, a heater, a shower seat, and a metal box.
Experts concluded that several of those items had been used as weapons.
A statement from Dwayne’s family said his murder had changed “the way we see the world”.
It continued: “It has shown us how devastating violent crime is, not only for the person whose life is taken, but also for every family member left behind.
“It has left us feeling that life can be taken cruelly and without reason the knowledge of how he died has made our grief even more painful, and the trauma we now carry will remain with us for a very long time.”
Detective Inspector Jodie Hayes, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “No sentence can ever bring back Dwayne to his loved ones.
“Silkstone carried out a horrific and vicious attack on a vulnerable man he controlled.
“He has never shown any remorse or taken any responsibility for his actions despite the overwhelming evidence against him.
“I hope today can provide Dwayne’s family with some closure, from what has been an unimaginable year for them.”