Epsom man jailed for life after murdering friend in 'truly brutal attack'
He claimed he was acting in self defence.
A man has been jailed today for life following the murder of a man in Epsom.
On Wednesday, 7 February 2024, police were called to Darren Hanson’s home address in Epsom, Surrey, by South East Coast Ambulance Service, who had responded to a patient in cardiac arrest who had been assaulted one hour previously. The call to the ambulance service had been made by the defendant, Darren Hanson (then 44).
Police arrived at the address, where paramedics were in the process of resuscitating 47-year-old Jason Lucas. Officers were told that Hanson had disclosed he had a fight with Jason and punched him and knocked him out in the hallway.
Jason Lucas sadly died at the address without regaining consciousness. Hanson was arrested for murder and an investigation was launched by the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team.
Shortly after his arrest, Hanson gave a prepared statement in his Police interview, in which he claimed that he had been extremely drunk and taking drugs at the time of the offence, and that he was devastated about Jason’s death. He then provided a ‘no comment’ response to most of the questions that were put forward to him in interview.
The post-mortem found the cause of Jason’s death to be ‘cranio-facial injuries and associated injuries’ following a ‘focused, severe force assault to the head’.
Hanson, (22, 05, 1979), of Epsom, was charged with murder on Saturday 10 February 2024. He appeared at Guildford Crown Court later the following day and pleaded not guilty. Following a three-week trial at Chichester Crown Court the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict within hours of being sent out to deliberate on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. Today, he was handed a life sentence of imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years.
During sentencing, His Honour Judge Donne stated that “The attack on Jason Lucas was truly brutal and the injuries were appalling.” He praised Jason’s family for “behaving with the greatest dignity,” and offered them “the court’s sincerest condolences”.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Craig Emmerson said, “This was a case that involved extreme violence with truly shocking consequences.
“These men had known each other for several years and often socialised, but it remains unknown why Hanson attacked his friend with such ferocity at his home in February last year.
“During trial, Hanson claimed he had been acting is self-defence, whilst also seeking to lay the blame for his behaviour on others. The level of injury inflicted was devastating and sadly gave Jason no chance of survival.
“I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Jason’s mum, Yvonne, and wider family who have acted with courage, dignity and respect throughout this trial.”
Paying tribute to Jason, his family said, “As a family we cannot comprehend the loss of Jason. There are no words that will ever express how we feel as a family and how this has impacted our everyday lives and will continue to do so.
“Jason was a popular person with lots of friends, he couldn't walk anywhere without someone shouting hello to him. He was a loving person full of laughter.
“Jason was a much-loved son, nephew, cousin, dad, and grandad. Jason is sorely missed by everyone, and he will never be forgotten.
“As a family we would like to thank the police investigation team and CPS for their efforts. We would also like to thank them for the care and support they have shown us throughout this traumatic time.”