Two men sentenced for killing York man in “brutal and senseless attack”
The victim was stamped on and kicked and attacked with metal pipes
Two men from York have been sentenced to life in prison for brutally murdering a "kind, caring man".
Curtis Turpin from Markham Crescent and Adam Hudson from Rowntree Avenue killed Francis McNally in October 2021.
Leeds Crown Court heard how Mr McNally was kicked, stamped and struck with metal pipes in an alcohol fuelled attack.
35 year old Curtis, who was also sentenced for a separate assault, was given a minimum term of 16 years and 3 months.
41 year old Hudson was given a minimum term of 15 years and 3 months.
"A senseless attack on a vulnerable victim"
Shortly before 5.30pm on Wednesday 27 October 2021, police received a call from a distressed man who had found Francis’ body at a property on Markham Crescent in York.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Francis and the room where he lay, covered in blood. He had significant injuries to his face and head and an item of clothing wrapped around his neck.
Turpin and Hudson were identified as suspects a short time later and were arrested on suspicion of murder, their clothing and footwear were heavily bloodstained.
Following arrest several significant comments were made by Hudson, which led detectives to believe that Francis had been attacked with a weapon and strangled with a form of ligature.
Both men denied the murder of Francis, who Turpin had met the night before and invited to his flat for drinks. It was also established that the pair had stolen Francis’ bank card in an attempt to buy more alcohol and then discarded it on their way back to the flat.
Officers found bottles of alcohol at the scene, as well as prescription medication and several broken pieces of a hoover, which it is believed was used as a weapon during the prolonged attack on Francis.
"He was a kind and gentle person who loved his family"
In a statement the family of Francis McNally’s paid tribute to him: 'Francis was only 35 years old when he was tragically and brutally taken from us. His murder was totally unprovoked, savage and senseless. He was a kind and gentle person who loved his family and he had potential which will now never be realised. Our hearts are broken and we will never be the same again.
'We are extremely grateful to all those who worked so hard to obtain justice for Francis and we can take some consolation in the fact that the jailing of the guilty parties may well save the lives of others.'
Senior Investigating Officer - Detective Superintendent, Wayne Fox, said:
“This was a senseless and brutal attack on a man who was unable to effectively defend himself. Turpin and Hudson used weapons to fatally assault and strangle Mr McNally for reasons only they know.
"Throughout the course of the investigation, and subsequent trial, they have sought to distance themselves from their true level of involvement, changing their story time and again.
"In a desperate bid to acquit his co-accused Hudson finally attempted to take sole blame for the attack whilst giving evidence in court, however, was unsuccessful in his efforts.
“I would like to pay tribute to Francis’ family who, because of the lies told by the defendants, were forced to endure graphic details of the attack on their loved one.
"They have acted with the upmost dignity throughout the investigation, and particularly through the court proceedings, in their efforts to seek justice for Francis. I hope that the significant sentences imposed on Turpin and Hudson can provide at least some comfort to them going forward.”