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.”