Worcestershire murderer stabbed friend five times after drunken pub row
Marcus Dunkerton was killed after Grant Bradley, from Kidderminster, followed him home from the pub
Last updated 2nd Oct 2023
A Kidderminster man has been jailed for 23 years for killing his friend after an alcohol-fuelled pub argument.
Grant Bradley, 46, of Blackwell Street, Kidderminster, was convicted of murder at Bristol Crown Court after stabbing his friend, 40-year-old Marcus Dunkerton, five times.
Avon and Somerset Police said it might never be known what caused the argument but Mr Dunkerton's family added he was a much-loved son, brother, partner and dad.
They said there isn't a sentence that will make them feel better or bring him back - but justice has been served after a 'harrowing' two-week trial.
The pair had spent the evening at the Railway Tavern pub in Charfield, South Gloucestershire, on Friday 24 June 2022.
Mr Dunkerton was told to leave by the landlady after a drunken row ended with him punching Bradley and pushing Bradley’s partner.
Bradley admitted going to Thames Close, where Mr Dunkerton lived with his partner and their young daughter, punching him, and stabbing him in the buttocks, but denied intending to cause serious harm or inflicting the fatal blow.
Marcus’ partner called police and ambulance crews just before 11pm, but sadly he could not be saved and died just before midnight.
Bradley was arrested on Manor Lane just after 11.30pm.
A post-mortem examination established that Mr Dunkerton had been stabbed five times and that the cause of death was the severing of his femoral artery.
Detective Inspector Neil Meade, who led the investigation for Avon and Somerset Police, said: “We may never know what triggered the dispute between these two friends, but it’s clear that alcohol played a significant part in the events leading up to Marcus’ death.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for Marcus’ family, and I would like to commend them for their dignity and support. Marcus’ partner Nicola, especially, was cross-examined in court as Bradley tried to throw the blame on her but the jury saw through this and determined that Grant Bradley alone was responsible for Marcus’ death.”
In the days after Mr Dunkerton’s death his partner, parents and other family members said: “No words will ever be able to express the deep sadness and loss that we feel as a family.
“Marcus was a much-loved son, brother, partner, father, step-father, uncle and son-in-law who was very much loved by us all.
“He was an excellent father. We are heartbroken. He will leave a huge hole in our lives and will be greatly missed. We ask that people respect our privacy at what continues to be a very difficult time for ourselves and all those who knew Marcus.”