Torture killers get 33 years each

Teddy Simpson's killers escaped with just £15 after the brutal robbery

Three men have each been jailed for a minimum of 33 years for the torture and murder of a West Yorkshire businessman.

Edward Simpson, 56, died after a brutal attack lasting several hours during a robbery at his home in Laisterdyke, near Bradford, in August last year.

His body was dumped in woodland at Wyke, four miles from his home.

Robert Cameron, Errol Witter and Dacosta Daniel, all from Leeds, were found guilty of murder and conspiracy to rob at Leeds Crown Court in August.

Daniel, 28, of Servia Gardens, Leeds; Whitter, 26, of Blenheim View, Woodhouse, Leeds, and Cameron, 27, of Richmond Way, Garforth, Leeds, had all denied the charges.

Easy target

Mr Simpson, who ran a business selling used cars and local stone, had four grown-up children, seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

During the two-month trial, the jury heard how the defendants beat and tortured Mr Simpson because he was deemed to be an easy target.

His hands had been tied behind his back and his ankles tied together with his trousers.

His face had been shattered by severe blows or stamps and there were more than 50 external injuries on his body.

Prosecutor Tom Bayliss QC said the robbers hoped to find £300,000 cash and possibly drugs at his home, but left with just £15 from his grandchildren's money box.

The jury could not reach verdicts on Darren Martin, 37, of Makefield Avenue, Low Moor, Bradford, Anthony Neale 27, of no fixed address or Anthony Davies, 27, of Lloyds Drive, Low Moor.

Mumtaz Ali, 37, of Astral View, Wibsey, Bradford, was unanimously cleared.

An eighth man - Sonny Stewart, 26, of Bankfoot, Bradford, has already admitted manslaughter and conspiracy to rob.