Family pay emotional tribute to murder victim killed at beauty spot in Cornwall
Callum Hill from Plymouth lost his life following a pre-arranged fight between a friend and one of his killers
Last updated 23rd Sep 2021
The family of a man from Plymouth, killed at a beauty spot in Cornwall, have paid tribute to their 'loving and caring son'.
Two men were found guilty of murder after Callum Hill's death.
The 22-year-old lost his life following a pre-arranged fight between a friend and one of his killers.
He was found seriously injured at Kit Hill near Callington back in March 2020 and died from his injuries two days later.
Today (22nd September) Andrew Hatrey and Kristian Humphries were sentenced for murder and conspiracy to commit violent disorder.
They were jailed for life, with Hatrey to serve a minimum of 26 years and Kristian Humphries, 15 years.
"Devastated at the loss of Callum"
In a statement following today’s sentence, Callum’s mother Julie Cox, said: “We as a family are devastated at the loss of our darling Callum. He was a loving and caring son, partner, father, and brother, and we will never get over losing him.
“A mother should never have to bury her child and Callum’s loss will be felt by the whole family for the rest of our lives.
“Callum was vulnerable, disabled and had no idea what was planned at Kit Hill on that fateful night. Those responsible really are the most violent, cruel, and horrible people.
“I would like to thank the Major Crime Investigation Team from Devon and Cornwall Police, Detective Inspector Rob Back who led the investigation, the Homicide Victim Support Service and all the staff at Plymouth Crown Court".
“Callum’s vulnerability was there for all to see"
Detective Inspector Rob Back, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, welcomed today’s sentence, and said: “This was a brutal attack on Callum Hill, a vulnerable 22 year-old-man, by two men intent on inflicting serious violence with weapons in an escalating feud between Callum’s friend Billy Humphries and Andrew Hatrey.
“Callum’s vulnerability was there for all to see during the evidence presented in court. That vulnerability and his willingness to please his friend Billy ultimately cost him his life.
“I hope this result provides some measure of comfort for his family who have conducted themselves throughout the trial with dignity and restraint.
“This investigation has been a complex and difficult enquiry to piece together with continuous lies from all of the defendants from the outset.
“I would like to thank the dedication of the major crime detectives, supported by the wider police family, who painstakingly gathered the evidence and the expert presentation from the prosecuting team led by Mr Laws, Queen’s Council.
“I’d also like to praise the jury for its diligence and professionalism in piecing together the evidence and showing strength in reaching its verdict".