Untimely death of a 'model pupil'

Tributes were paid to Ben across his home city of Swansea

Anyone listening to tributes following the death of Ben Bellamy would have been in no doubt as to what sort of teenager he was.

A model pupil, loving son, gentle, witty and considerate teenager - the shock at the news of his brutal end was almost palpable.

Like many of his friends, Ben had been enjoying himself at an 18th birthday party just hours before he was killed.

The sixth former had been punched, repeatedly kicked and stamped on.

Then he was stripped of his clothes before being dragged into the cold Swansea Bay in September 2005.

He had a dry, witty sense of humour. He was a model student Head teacher Hugh Davies

On hearing the shocking news on the Sunday morning, the question on everyone's mind was: "What on earth unfolded between then and time he left Cinderella's nightclub, where he had enjoyed the night dancing with friends and having a few drinks?"

A full-scale murder inquiry began as a team of 30 detectives, backed by uniformed officers, sealed off half a mile of Swansea Bay - opposite St Helen's rugby ground.

Studying for his A-levels, Ben had been looking forward to going to university to read economics.

One of the first to pay tribute was Olchfa Comprehensive School head teacher Hugh Davies.

"Ben was a quiet but popular sixth form student here at Olchfa," he said.

"He had a dry, witty sense of humour. He was a model student...had just experienced considerable success at his AS level exams, gaining three grade As and one grade B. He was taking all four subjects forward to 'A' level and would, no doubt, have done very well next year."

Memorials mark the spot where Ben's body was discovered

"It is always tragic when you hear of someone's death. When it is someone of Ben's age, the news can become almost unbearable."

Ben lived with his mother Tracy and 14-year-old brother Karl in the Sketty Park area of Swansea, and enjoyed a good relationship with his father, John, who lived nearby.

Ben's brother Karl said the Bellamy family had "all died and woken up into a nightmare".

Appearing at a press conference shortly after his body was found, two of Ben's uncles appealed for information about his killers, insisting their nephew would never hurt anyone.

"Ben was a caring, considerate, loving boy. He cared about everybody and always tried to help anyone less fortunate than himself," said Tony Rees.

'Bright and popular'

During the trial, a witness described how he saw Ben being attacked - stamped on before being dragged to sea like a "rag doll".

Tributes placed near that spot by family, friends and strangers told of grief for a "bright and popular" sixth former. The impact of his death extended far beyond his family and the sea shore. Ben had been a fanatical Swansea City FC supporter.

The club's players paid tribute to him and the city's annual 10k run, staged on part of the route he would have walked home on that ill-fated night, was dedicated to him.

Hundreds attended Ben's funeral at St Paul's church

Hundreds of pupils from Olchfa school lined up to pay their respects when Ben's funeral was held on 1 November at St Paul's Church, close to his home in Sketty.

The vicar of Sketty, Canon Andrew Knight, challenged them to "remember the good things" and to put in just a little extra effort when studying for their A-levels this year in memory of Ben.

"If there are one or two better grades, that will be a great memorial," he said.

Before going on to hold a private ceremony, a letter written by Ben's family was read to mourners.

"Your spirit will remain with us always," it read.