FROME man Joseph Dix high-fived his friend after the pair beat a man to death after a row at a Swansea hotel.
Dix has been jailed for life after being found guilty of murder of 33-year-old Andrew Main in July last year.
The 26-year-old, along with friend Macauley Ruddock, 28, had been visiting the area for work and were staying at the same hotel in the city centre, meeting Andrew and colleague Michael Bell for the first time at bar.
However, Dix and Ruddock took exception to Andrew and Michael speaking to woman at the hotel and a fight broke out which saw them chase Andrew down and knock him to the ground.
Andrew Main, from Falkirk in Scotland, never regained consciousness after the attack. Picture: South Wales Police
Dad-of-two Andrew, from Falkirk, went to help his friend before Dix and Ruddock turned on him, beating him unconscious, the court was told.
He was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, in Cardiff, with catastrophic brain injuries and complex facial fractures, before being moved to Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh where he died on August 14 having never regained consciousness.
Last week, following a trial at Swansea Crown Court, Dix and Ruddock were found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 13 years, 176 days.
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The court heard Ruddock, from Bath, and Frome man Dix were the aggressors in the incident after they “took exception” to Andrew and Michael speaking to the female guest.
Andrew swung punches toward Dix during a confrontation before he ran away, the court heard, but the pair chased him down, with Dix punching him in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground, likely unconscious.
He received another blow to the head as he lay on the ground motionless and bleeding.
Prosecutors said Dix and Ruddock were seen “laughing, high-fiving and showing off” after the incident.
Dix, left, and Macauley Ruddock, of Bath, have been jailed for life. Pictures: South Wales Police
Speaking after the trial, Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton, of South Wales Police, said: “We are pleased to hear of the murder conviction for both Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock. Both men were visiting Swansea for work, as was Andrew Main.
“All three were staying at the same city centre hotel, and met for the first time at a nearby bar. Later that night, an argument broke out back at the hotel between Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock and Andrew Main and his friend Michael Bell.
“This argument moved onto the street, before Dix and Ruddock chased after Andrew Main, ultimately striking him unconscious before carrying out a sustained attack.
Joseph Dix, right, and Macauley Ruddock, left, were shown chasing down Andrew on CCTV. Picture: South Wales Police
“While the parties had all consumed alcohol that night, that does not provide an excuse for the level of violence displayed by Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock.
“They clearly set out to cause serious injury to their victim, and now will face significant prison sentences for their actions.
“Our thoughts remain with Andrew’s family and friends, who have been devastated by what has happened and continue to grieve his loss.
“This case highlights how the effects of intoxicants can negatively affect behaviour and decision-making. Had Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers.”
Play the start of that cctv clip and you will see all 3 of them walking back from the 1st fight after shaking hands and you will then see Andrew throwing 2 punches at Joe ( 2 secs before that clip starts ) which resulted in them chasing him. There was no conclusive evidence of a sustained attack. If Andrew didn’t throw those 2 punches then he would be still alive