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Homeless Man Beaten To Death In Crime That Shocked Liverpool

Homeless Man Beaten To Death In Crime That Shocked Liverpool

Three teenage boys were responsible for the murder of Kevin Bennett.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Homeless Kevin Bennett was asleep in an alleyway behind an Iceland store in Walton in 2012 when three teenage boys came past him.

Connor and Brandon Doran, 16 and 14 respectively, and Simon Evans, 14, decided it would be a bit of fun to kick the 53-year-old.

The older Doran brother egged Evans on to 'do him in', before the pair took turns delivering savage blows to Bennett's head and body while young Brandon Doran served as a lookout.

Their victim stumbled into the supermarket before he was taken to hospital, where he later died from an infection caused by his injuries.

Connor Evans. Credit: Merseyside Police

The trio were eventually caught, despite Connor and Brandon's mum Linda giving a false alibi to police.

They all pleaded not guilty in court, but the jury found otherwise. Despite them being children in the eyes of the law, their identities were revealed during sentencing because the judge believed it was in the public interest.

Connor Doran was detained for 12 years for being the ringleader in the shocking murder while Evans was sentenced to eight years. The younger Doran was also given six years' detention.

Brandon Doran. Credit: Merseyside Police

The judge didn't mince words when sentencing Linda to 31 months behind bars, describing her as a 'pathetic and tragic character'. Judge Goldstone told the teenagers: "None of you come from an ideal home background. Yours, Connor and Brandon Doran, reveals a total lack of parental guidance, support and upbringing for which you, Linda Doran, bears a very heavy responsibility."

The judge continued: "Your code of honour was to protect your boys in their hour of need at any price, particularly if the price was honesty and decency.

Simon Evans. Credit: Merseyside Police

"Your lying account prolonged the investigation by an already stretched police force and made it more difficult."

The court case revealed the Doran family was incredible dysfunctional, with the eldest brother Ryan, jailed for murdering a man the year before the trial.

Another brother Jordan was also jailed for contempt of court after he used his phone to take photos of the courtroom, which is strictly prohibited.

Linda Doran. Credit: Merseyside Police

According to The Mirror, the Doran brothers were emotionless when they were handed their sentences, but Evans broke down in tears.

Their story has now been made into documentary for CBS's Teens Who Kill series, with the episode first airing on Sunday 7 May.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Murder

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