A FAMILY have expressed their ‘ongoing devastation’ after Coventry man Steven Barnes was jailed for 20 years for killing his brother and assaulting his mother.
Barnes, 64, was jailed today at Leamington Justice Centre after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of brother Paul Hawkesford-Barnes on the grounds of diminished responsibility and attempted wounding of his mum Irene.
He will receive a four-year sentence to run concurrent for the attempted wounding.
Paul, 57, was found at their mother’s Hopedale Close address with head and upper body injuries in March, while mum Irene had suffered facial injuries.
He was there helping to care for Irene, who was in her 80s and suffering with dementia.
Irene has since passed away although not as a direct result of her injuries.
Paul’s wife Juliet Hawkesford-Barnes described him as a ‘friendly, loyal and funny person with a huge personality’.
She added: “Our children and I are truly devastated at the loss of Paul and the unforgivable events that Paul and Irene suffered.
“Paul’s death has left a huge hole in the lives of our family and many of his friends.
“We would like to thank West Midlands Police and Victim Support for all their hard work, guidance and support during these terrible months.
“As a family we ask that our privacy is respected as we grieve and deal with this traumatic loss.”
Det Insp Ranj Sangha, from West Midlands Police’s homicide team, added: “What happened that night has ripped apart a family.
“It’s hard to imagine the pain and suffering they’ve all experienced at the loss of Paul and Irene.
“This was a brutal attack on Paul and what happened to him, along with her own recollections of what went on, will undoubtedly have impacted upon Irene.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone who has been affected by this tragedy.”
