Men jailed for life for murder of Plymouth dad at Cornish beauty spot
A court heard how 22-year-old Callum Hill lost his life following a pre-arranged fight
Last updated 22nd Sep 2021
The two men convicted of murder following the death of a young dad at a beauty spot in Cornwall have been jailed for life.
Callum Hill from Plymouth lost his life following a pre-arranged fight.
The 22-year-old suffered serious head injuries after being badly beaten at Kit Hill near Callington.
A court heard Callum, from Plymouth, had gone to support his friend who had been invited to a fight to settle an ongoing feud.
He was found unconscious and taken to Derriford Hospital where he died two days later.
Devon and Cornwall Police have described the incident as a "brutal attack" on a "vulnerable" young man.
In a statement, Callum's loved one said his loss would be felt by the whole family for the rest of their lives.
Andrew Hatrey, 38, who was living in Gunnislake at the time of the incident, was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit violent disorder, along with Kristian Humphries, 31, who is also from Gunnislake.
On Wednesday, Hatrey was ordered to serve at least 26 years behind bars, while Humphries was handed a minimum sentence of 15 years.
Callum's friend, 27-year-old Alexander 'Billy' Humphries from Callington, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being convicted of assault causing GBH with intent against Hatrey.
Senior Investigating Officer from Devon and Cornwall Police, Rob Back, said: "I welcome the outcome in this case. 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 what was 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 inquiry 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 prosecution team, led by Mr Laws QC.
"I would also like to praise the jury for its diligence and professionalism in piecing together the evidence and showing strength in reaching its verdict".
In a statement issued after the verdicts on Tuesday, Helen Phillips of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The defendants arranged to meet for a fight at an isolated spot in Cornwall.
"They arrived with weapons and were intent on using them, with the altercation ending in the senseless killing of Callum Hill.
"He was viciously assaulted and left alone and unconscious at Kit Hill, later dying in hospital from his injuries.
“CPS South West and Devon and Cornwall Police worked closely to build this complex case with vast amounts of forensic and pathology evidence helping to establish the cause of death and role of each defendant in the fight.
“This brutal attack has been very difficult for the Hill family as this occurred over a year ago and has taken time for case to come to trial due to complexities of the investigation.
"Today our thoughts are with Callum Hill’s loved ones and we hope they feel justice has now been served".
Billy's brother, 25-year-old Daniel Humphries, was on trial for conspiracy to commit violent disorder but was found not guilty.
More information about the case can be found on Devon and Cornwall Police's website.