A KILLER from Carmarthen who directed a company renting out property in Milford Haven will spend at least 30 years in jail.
Andrew Jones, 53, from Bronwydd Road, denied murdering his long-time friend Michael O’Leary but was convicted by a jury.
Mrs Justice Jefford set a minimum term of 30 years which he must serve before he can be considered for parole. She described the killing as ” a planned ambush”.
She told the killer: “Michael O’Leary did something wrong but he did not deserve to pay for that with his life. All accounts of him is of a man who lit up the room and played a central role in the lives of his family.
“Your family stands by you. You are more than fortunate in that. The impact of your actions in their lives has also been devastating. They feel ostracised from the community from where they live.
“Your wife still talks about you as the love of her life and your children talk about you in glowing terms.”
The judge made an order for the forfeiture and destruction of a rifle but not of the other guns in Jones’ possession.
She added: “This was a remarkable investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police.
“The officers and operatives involved are too numerous to mention but they are all to be commended for their efforts.”
Mr Jones’ barrister Karim Khalil QC is now addressing the court.
He said: “The defendant himself is not a highly educated man. He made the best of the talents he had.
“He worked all hours, not in any sense workshy. He built a family life which is now destroyed.
“He is remorseful for what happened. He is not cold-blooded.
“He acknowledges the pain he has caused.”
