A 57-year-old man with a violent criminal history has been sentenced to life in prison for the horrific murder of his neighbor in Clydach, near Swansea.
Brian Whitelock admitted to killing 71-year-old Wendy Buckney, who had extended him kindness by offering odd jobs such as gardening, believing in giving him a “second chance” following his release from prison for previous convictions of murder and manslaughter.
A Sustained and Brutal Assault
On August 23, 2022, Buckney was found naked and bloodied in her living room after a prolonged and violent attack in her home. Whitelock used multiple weapons, including a kitchen knife and wooden shelving, to stab and bludgeon her.
During the trial at Swansea Crown Court, Prosecutor Christopher Rees KC detailed the extent of the pensioner’s suffering, stating she had endured “multiple stab injuries, sharp force injuries, and blunt force trauma.” Evidence also suggested a sexual assault, though forensic analysis could not determine whether it occurred before, during, or after the attack.
A History of Violence
Whitelock’s violent history includes the murder of 34-year-old Nicky Morgan in 2000, following a drink- and drug-fueled argument. Whitelock attacked Morgan with a pickaxe or hammer, poured petrol over him, and set him on fire. The resulting blaze claimed the life of Morgan’s brother, Glen, who was sleeping upstairs and died from smoke inhalation.
Despite his claims during the trial that he had stayed out of trouble since his release, prosecutors revealed that Whitelock had assaulted a worker in a Swansea Co-op store in 2020.
The Day of the Crime
Neighbors reported seeing Whitelock arriving at Buckney’s home fully clothed. Hours later, he was seen outside, covered in blood and wearing only his underwear inside out. Neighbor Jeffrey Llewelyn confronted him on the front lawn, where Whitelock confessed, saying, “I’ve killed Wendy.”
Another neighbor, Paul Jones, later heard Whitelock admit, “I didn’t realize what I was doing until I came down from the high.”
When police arrived, Whitelock told officers, “It looks like I f****** tortured her, I have. She was begging me to stop.”
Whitelock claimed in court that he had no memory of the incident, attributing it to a brain injury sustained while fishing. However, medical experts testified that his confusion was likely caused by drug withdrawal.
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Courtroom Outburst and Guilty Verdict
The jury took only 30 minutes to convict Whitelock of murder following a two-week trial. Representing himself, Whitelock became enraged at the verdict, shouting at the jury: “I hope you all suffer a brain injury. I hope you all suffer what I went through. You are all bang out of order.”
Victim’s Family Speaks Out
In a statement, Buckney’s family described her as a “much-loved sister and aunty” whose kindness and spirit had touched many lives.
“Today’s verdict brings some measure of justice for Wendy, who was taken from us far too soon,” they said. “While nothing can bring her back, we are grateful that the truth has been heard.”
The family vowed to honor her memory, acknowledging the pain and heartbreak they continue to endure.
Life Sentence Imposed
Whitelock now faces a life sentence for his brutal crime, with no hope of parole. His violent actions have shocked the community and left a family grieving the loss of a beloved woman who showed compassion to someone who ultimately betrayed her trust in the most horrifying way.
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