Somerset men found guilty of murder 'clearly set out to seriously hurt' victim
Two men from Somerset have been found guilty of murder after a drunken attack in South Wales. 26-year-old Joseph Dix, from Frome and 28-year-old Macauley Ruddock, from Bath, pleaded not guilty to murder following the incident on Princess Way in Swansea on July 17, 2024.
Andrew Main, 33, died after an incident in July 2024. Dix and Ruddock were visiting Swansea for work, as was Andrew, and were all staying in a hotel in the city centre.
All three men met at a nearby bar and an altercation broke out back at the hotel. The altercation moved onto the street, where Andrew, from Falkirk, Scotland, was chased by Dix and Ruddock.
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The two men knocked him unconscious, before carrying out a 'sustained attack'. Andrew died from his injuries on August 14, 2024, he never regained consciousness after the attack.
Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton said: "We are pleased to hear of the murder conviction for both Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock.
"Both men were visiting Swansea for work, as was Andrew Main. All three were staying at the same city centre hotel, and met for the first time at a nearby bar. Later that night, an argument broke out back at the hotel between Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock and Andrew Main and his friend Michael Bell.
"This argument moved onto the street, before Dix and Ruddock chased after Andrew Main, ultimately striking him unconscious before carrying out a sustained attack.
"While the parties had all consumed alcohol that night, that does not provide an excuse for the level of violence displayed by Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock. They clearly set out to cause serious injury to their victim, and now will face significant prison sentences for their actions.
"Our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family and friends, who have been devastated by what has happened and continue to grieve his loss.
"This case highlights how the effects of intoxicants can negatively affect behaviour and decision-making. Had Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers."
A statement from South Wales Police said: "Two men have been found guilty of the murder of 33-year-old Andrew Main in Swansea city centre last year.
"26-year-old Joseph Dix, from Frome, Somerset, and 28-year-old Macauley Ruddock, from Bath, Somerset, both pleaded not guilty to murder following the incident, which took place on Princess Way on July 17, 2024.
"Andrew Main, from Falkirk, Scotland, died from his injuries on August 14 having never regained consciousness."