TRIPLE KILLER Brian Whitelock, 57, has been sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for the savage murder of 71-year-old Wendy Buckney. The sentencing took place at Swansea Crown Court, with His Honourable Justice Griffiths describing the crime as of “exceptionally high seriousness.”

Whitelock, who was previously convicted of killing two men, including his brother, in 2001, carried out the brutal attack in August 2022 at Ms. Buckney’s home on Tanycoed Road, Clydach, Swansea. The court heard how Whitelock used a knife, a table leg, and shelving to inflict a “sustained and vicious” assault, leaving his victim with multiple blunt and sharp force injuries. Justice Griffiths revealed there were “too many stab wounds for the pathologist to accurately count.”

‘Monster’ trusted by his victim

Ms. Buckney, a retired horse riding instructor, had been living in the flat since 2018 and was described as a kind and generous neighbour. She had employed Whitelock, her neighbour since 2019, for odd jobs despite her family’s concerns about his violent past. Her response to their warnings was: “Everybody deserves a second chance.”

On the night of the murder, Whitelock stripped both himself and his victim, leaving Ms. Buckney’s body naked and face down on the floor. Her home was ransacked, and objects and clothing were placed on her body in what prosecutors described as a degrading act.

In a 999 call following the attack, Whitelock admitted to the killing, saying: “I just snapped, there’s no reason I killed her.” However, Justice Griffiths dismissed any claim of diminished responsibility, stating: “You knew what you were doing. She was old, vulnerable, and alone at home at night. She trusted you as a friend.”

Family devastated by loss

Ms. Buckney’s family paid tribute to her, describing her as having “a heart of gold.” In a statement, they said: “We all adored her. Wendy had a close bond with her family and loved her animals. She was taken from us in such a horrible way, at the hands of the man she helped.”

Her sister added: “We had a wonderful life together as sisters, and the bond between us can never be broken.”

A history of violence

Whitelock’s violent past began in October 2000 when he killed Nicky Morgan, 34, during a drink and drug-fuelled argument. He beat Mr. Morgan to death with a hammer and set the house on fire to cover up the crime. Whitelock’s brother, Glenn, who was asleep upstairs, died from smoke inhalation. Whitelock served 18 years in prison for these crimes and was released on licence, only to breach his conditions and be briefly recalled to prison. He was released again in 2021.

Melanie Huxley, the sister of Nicky Morgan, expressed her anger at Whitelock’s release: “He should never have been released from prison. We always knew he would kill again.”

Life without parole

At the sentencing, Justice Griffiths told Whitelock: “For the murder of Wendy Buckney, I sentence you to imprisonment for life. The seriousness of this murder is so exceptionally high that the punishment is for you to stay in prison for the rest of your life. You will never be considered for parole.”

Addressing Ms. Buckney’s grieving family, Justice Griffiths added: “I hope in the passage of time, you can think of her, in her 71 years of life. I hope that eventually you will be left with all those memories that you and she would want to have.”

Whitelock’s crimes have left a lasting impact on the families of his victims, with the sentence reflecting the gravity of his actions. Justice Griffiths’ ruling ensures Whitelock will spend the rest of his life behind bars, bringing a measure of justice for those affected by his heinous crimes.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies said: “We are pleased that Brian Whitelock has been given a full-life tariff, which is a fitting sentence due to the countless lives that have been destroyed because of his actions.

“Despite his past, Brian Whitelock received nothing but kindness from his neighbour Wendy Buckney. He repaid this kindness by carrying out her senseless murder.

“The level of violence Brian Whitelock enacted upon his defenceless victim was sickening.

“Defending himself in court, Brian Whitelock’s aim was to distance himself from his actions, but the reality is that he was well-aware what he was doing.

“Wendy Buckney’s family has been through an unimaginable amount of pain and heartbreak because of the actions of Brian Whitelock. I hope, because of today’s sentencing, that they can finally feel closure, and can begin grieving the loss of Wendy.”

DEAN McCARTNEY, 29, of Newell Hill, Tenby, has been found not guilty of intending to maim or disfigure another man by throwing bleach.

McCartney appeared at Swansea Crown Court accused of two charges: throwing bleach with intent to burn, maim, or disfigure, and wounding with intent, following an incident in Narberth on September 5. He pleaded not guilty to both charges and had been in custody awaiting trial.

At an earlier hearing, defence counsel David Singh argued that a witness described the complainant as “clearly the aggressor.”

After reviewing the evidence, prosecutor Alycia Carpanini confirmed that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) would offer no evidence on either charge. Judge Huw Rees expressed concern over delays, stating, “This defendant has been in custody throughout. This is concerning, isn’t it?”

The judge entered not guilty verdicts and confirmed McCartney’s release, adding: “You should be released as soon as possible, subject to prison regulations.”

TWO parents have been handed suspended sentences after dishonestly claiming more than £13,000 in Universal Credit by failing to report that their children had been taken into care.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Niomi Woodhouse, 31, of Maes Hafren, Eglwyswrw, and John Simon, 35, of London Road, Pembroke Dock, continued to claim benefits as if they were caring for their two children, despite the children being taken into care in February 2020.

Prosecutor Harry Dickens explained that the couple had been receiving Universal Credit due to health issues preventing them from working. Woodhouse informed the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in June 2021 that she was the lead carer for two children, explicitly stating they were living at home.

However, an investigation by Pembrokeshire County Council revealed that both children had been placed into care more than a year earlier. Over the course of this period, the couple had over 100 interactions with the DWP but failed to disclose the change in circumstances, resulting in an overpayment of £13,228.78.

During interviews, Woodhouse claimed she was waiting for a social worker’s assistance to report the change, while Simon admitted he assumed the matter had been handled by Woodhouse but did not verify it himself.

The pair pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on September 10 to dishonestly failing to notify a change of circumstances affecting their entitlement to Universal Credit. The court was told they had no previous convictions, and the overpaid money is being recovered through deductions from their benefits, eliminating the need for Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings.

Judge Huw Rees described their actions as “thorough dishonesty” and emphasised the broader impact on the economy. Sentencing them to 10 weeks in custody, suspended for a year, he also imposed additional requirements tailored to each defendant.

Woodhouse must complete a six-month drug rehabilitation programme and 20 rehabilitation activity days. Simon was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

“I’m content that this money is going to be received from you,” Judge Rees concluded.

The case highlights the importance of promptly reporting changes in circumstances to the DWP to ensure benefits are correctly allocated.