Attackers told of long jail terms

The three men broke into Atlas Caravans' factory in Hull

Three drug addicts jailed for murdering an elderly Hull security guard who was savagely assaulted must serve a total of at least 56 years behind bars.

Neil Bower, 26, Michael Gregory, 24, and Karl Kent, 23, of Hull, were all jailed for life for the murder of 61-year-old Stanley Twyman.

Mr Twyman was attacked at the Atlas Caravans factory in September 2001.

Bowyer and Gregory must serve 18 years and ringleader Kent 20 years before applying for parole.

Lying helpless

Mr Twyman was working at the factory site in Hull when the three, all heavy users of ecstasy and temazepam, climbed over a security fence armed with a Beretta air pistol.

During the attack Mr Twyman was hauled out of the cabin where he worked, before being beaten to the head and body while on his knees, and later, while lying helpless on the floor.

Mr Twyman's screams could be heard on the security system's radio network during the onslaught, said the judge.

The gang then tackled another guard who had been alerted by Mr Twyman's screams, 61-year-old Malcolm Rogers, who was left "partially disabled" from head wounds inflicted by the gang.

Mr Justice Holland said Mr Rogers had "successfully struggled to stay on his feet believing that if he went to the ground he would be kicked to death".

The three were sentenced at Hull Crown Court in July 2002. Bower was convicted of the murder.

Gregory and Kent pleaded guilty and each of three were also sentenced for burglary, aggravated burglary, robbery and possessing a firearm.

Their cases reached London's Royal Courts of Justice on Friday as the judge fixed the appropriate "tariff" in each case - the minimum amount of time they must serve behind bars before they can apply for parole.