A MAN has been sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting to the murder of his brother at an address near Ammanford.
Tyler Lindley, 20, had previously confessed to killing Cameron Lindley, 22, at a property in Treforis, Betws, on September 8 last year.
The court heard that both Cameron and Tyler had experienced periods in the foster system during their childhood – initially together, but later separated.
“Throughout his childhood, the defendant exhibited problematic behaviour,” stated prosecutor Michael Jones KC.
Mr Jones said that Lindley had, on multiple occasions, expressed his intention to “kill Cameron,” even going as far as telling their father, who promptly contacted the police. Lindley was arrested, but both Cameron and their mother decided not to proceed with pressing charges.
Lindley had also confessed to his step-brother that he wanted to kill Cameron, whom he referred to as “the golden child,” Mr Jones added.
According to the court, Lindley attended a family gathering on 8th September last year. After their extended family had left at around 6.30 pm, Lindley, Cameron, and their mother had dinner in the kitchen while their two-year-old niece slept upstairs.
“The defendant stood up and stared at Cameron,” Mr Jones said. “He walked towards the knife block and selected the largest knife. Lindley then smirked and apologised to Cameron before launching his attack.”
Jones further revealed that Lindley “repeatedly stabbed” Cameron, who managed to escape outside while their mother called emergency services.
A neighbour heard a “bang” and witnessed the assault in the front garden, immediately dialling 999 at around 8.50 pm.
The neighbour described Cameron lying on his back, attempting to defend himself.
Cameron sustained a total of 19 injuries to his arms, chest, and back, as well as defensive wounds on his hands, and “significant injuries” to his neck, Mr Jones explained.
Fearing Lindley might attack her and her granddaughter, their mother locked the front door.
Paramedics pronounced Cameron dead at the scene, and Tyler Lindley was arrested on suspicion of murder.
While being taken to the hospital, Lindley told a doctor, “I’ve done something bad. The voices made me do it.”
Mr Jones revealed that Lindley provided the police with several false statements and initially denied murder, only later pleading guilty to manslaughter. However, on 4th May, he admitted the charge of murder.
During the court proceedings, Cameron’s step-sister paid tribute to him, describing him as a good, caring, and kind young man with a promising future as an aerospace engineering student at Swansea University. She stated, via a statement read out in court, “Cameron’s life was taken away in a truly horrific way.”
“I will never forget that night when I found out what happened. The fact that my mother had to witness that was horrendous.”
A statement from the boys’ father was also read out in court.
“I lost two sons that night,” he said. “My whole life has changed. I’ve realized now I will never see [Cameron] again. I’m devastated by Cameron’s loss.”
In mitigation, Ignatius Hughes KC acknowledged Lindley’s troubled background and his mental health issues, which contributed to his lack of control. Hughes emphasized that Lindley, who was 19 at the time of the attack, lacked maturity.
During the court proceedings, Lindley’s sustained vocal outbursts led to his temporary removal from the courtroom. However, he was present for his mitigation and sentencing.
Psychiatric reports presented to the court
highlighted Lindley’s disturbed and disturbing childhood, according to Mr Hughes, who added that Lindley likely had an emotionally unstable personality disorder, although a diagnosis could not be made until the age of 25.
Addressing Lindley, Judge Paul Thomas KC said, “Last September, you brutally murdered your own brother. You attacked him for no reason in the kitchen of your mother’s home. When he frantically tried to escape your savage knife attack, you followed him into the garden where you butchered him. You killed your brother simply because you were jealous of him… ‘the golden boy’.”
While acknowledging the mitigating circumstances, Judge Thomas took into account Lindley’s troubled background and mental health issues.
Judge Thomas imposed a minimum sentence of 18 years, stating, “The sentence is one of life imprisonment. I believe in your case, it’s entirely possible you will never be released.”
The judge expressed his gratitude to the family members present in court for their dignity throughout the case and acknowledged the difficulty they faced during the proceedings.
Following the sentencing, Detective Superintendent Jayne Butler, the senior investigating officer at Dyfed-Powys Police, commended the hard work and dedication of her team throughout the challenging investigation. She also expressed gratitude to Cameron’s family for their support during the traumatic incident and subsequent inquiry, offering her condolences during this sad time.
