'This is sadly another example of the devastating damage that using a knife can cause'
Police have been reacting to today's sentencing of two brothers after the death of Aaron Parrington
Two brothers who blamed each other for killing a man in Torquay last year have both been jailed for manslaughter.
Ben and Jack Milton fatally attacked and stabbed Aaron Parrington, 34, outside their home in Ellacombe Church Road during a fight.
The violence stemmed from the theft of a bag, which Aaron believed Ben Milton was responsible for.
Aaron went to the brothers’ home on 17 September 2023 after a fight had been agreed but Ben Milton did not show up. Aaron rang him and made threats before kicking at their front door.
The brothers took a large kitchen knife and wooden curtain pole and attacked Aaron in the street. He sustained multiple stab wounds and, despite the efforts of members of the public and emergency services, died at the scene.
Both brothers were arrested and taken into police custody where they denied inflicting the wounds, each blaming the other. They were later charged with joint-enterprise murder.
Following a three-week trial in April at Exeter Crown Court, a jury found the brothers guilty of manslaughter, but not guilty of murder.
Ben Milton, aged 19, was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Jack Milton, aged 20, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
The court heard that in August 2023, a local male had a bag stolen and Ben Milton was suspected to be responsible.
On the day of the incident, Ben Milton saw the male in Torquay town centre and they agreed to fight in a local car park.
They went their separate ways and the male returned with Aaron Parrington a short time later. They walked around the town looking for Ben Milton, but he had gone home.
Witnesses told the court they had seen Aaron on the phone making threats as he walked through the town before he made his way to the Miltons’ home and kicked at the door.
The brothers, who were in an alleyway near to the house, attacked Aaron from behind and a fight broke out in the street.
Members of the public, on hearing the disorder, began to separate the men and gave first aid to Aaron.
Officers arrived and arrested the brothers on suspicion of attempted murder. They were taken to Torquay Police Station where they were further arrested on suspicion of murder when Aaron’s death was confirmed.
Ben Milton told officers that Aaron had attacked him with a knife first, but later admitted that he had lied ‘in order to protect Jack’, because he was the one who had been in possession of the knife. Jack refuted this claim in interview, telling officers it was Ben who had the knife and had fought Aaron.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Ilona Rosson said: “The violence used by Ben and Jack Milton exceeded self-defence and resulted in the death of Aaron Parrington.
“Throughout this case they have continued to blame each other, taking no responsibility for their actions, and arrogantly denying their roles. On the evidence shown to the court, the jury found them both culpable of killing Aaron.
“This is sadly another example of the devastating damage that using a knife can cause and that no good can come from it.
“I thank the family of Aaron Parrington for their supported of our investigation and I commend the strength they have shown throughout this case.
In a personal statement read to the court, Aaron’s mum Kathy said that the family are now living in a ‘real life tragedy’ and described her son as a ‘devoted father’ and ‘friend to many’.
She said: “We think of Aaron almost every moment of every day, but the mornings are the worse because you wake up, and for a split second, everything is ok. Then reality kicks in, it hits you and it’s like Aaron has died all over again.
“We had two children and now we have one. We must get used to a future without Aaron in it, which, until now, we haven’t been able to because it’s too painful. Now, if we want to be near our son, we must go to his graveside, in a cemetery, and look at a headstone; where we sit and talk to him, we cry and tell him we love him and miss him, and we always will.”
Following sentencing, the family thanked friends and family for their continued support and also said: “Our apologies go to the people whose homes overlooked where our Aaron died as it must have been a very distressing and frightening scene, especially those first on the scene who tried to help Aaron.
“Thank you to the people who were driving past and stopped to administer first aid, who ignored the direct threats to their own lives, and continued assisting Aaron. You should all be proud of yourselves, we know you all did everything you could and we hope this gives you some peace. As Aaron’s parents, we are grateful you were there with Aaron and that he wasn’t alone – we stood and watched you all and you are all our heroes."