Bognor Regis bin man jailed for 17 years for murdering partner with plastic tray
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Wayne Morris, 47, attacked Ruth Brown, 52, during the first lockdown last year on April 8.
Ms Brown was found dead in bed when family members went to to her home in Collyer Avenue, Bognor Regis, on April 11 having not heard from her at all.
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Hide AdMorris denied the mother-of-two's murder claiming he was too intoxicated to know what happened but was convicted at Brighton Crown Court.
On Thursday he was jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years.
Morris attacked his victim with a plastic tray. Ms Brown died from severe and repeated head injuries having been attacked in the kitchen.
Morris, of Larchwood Close, had been in a relationship. They argued prior to him launching the fatal attack.
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Hide AdMs Brown's brother Frank Brown said: ‘The shock of hearing of Ruth’s murder almost a year ago, and listening to the harrowing evidence at trial over the last week, will remain with us as a family for the rest of our lives.
‘It is especially painful as it came only a matter of months after we lost our eldest brother to pneumonia in January 2020. We were still mourning the loss of one sibling when another was wrenched from us in the most violent and dreadful way.’
Detective Inspector Mark O'Brien of Sussex Police said: ‘Having admitted in court to killing Ruth, Morris made out that he could not remember his actions due to intoxication. The jury have clearly seen through this defence in returning their verdict of murder.
‘My thoughts remain with the family of Ruth Brown and I thank them for their resolve throughout the investigation and trial. The violent actions of Morris have cut short the life of Ruth, devastating her family and friends.
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Hide Ad‘I sincerely hope that in time they can come to terms with what has happened. Wayne Morris will now spend many years of his life behind bars.’