Man jailed for murder of his dad in his own home

Austin Duckworth forced his way into his father’s home in Preston

A man who forced his way into his father's home and repeatedly punched him in the head has been jailed for his murder.

Austin Duckworth attacked his father Stephen at his home in Preston, Lancashire, on 26 August before telling him he had better call an ambulance.

The 72-year-old suffered a bleed on the brain and died on 12 October.

Duckworth, 37, of no fixed address, was convicted at trial on Monday and jailed for 17 years at Preston Crown Court.

Duckworth had breached his bail conditions by going to his father's home in St George’s Road, Lancashire Police said.

The victim was able to contact police and tell them what had happened, but initially refused medical treatment.

But he became more unwell and was taken to hospital, where he later died.

A post-mortem examination gave his cause of death as blunt force head trauma.

Stephen Duckworth died from blunt force head trauma

In a victim impact statement after Duckworth was sentenced, his uncle Geoffrey said: "We have not only lost Stephen but have had to process the fact that the person responsible for his death is Stephen’s son Austin, another family member.

"We cannot comprehend this.

"Stephen did everything he could for Austin as when he split up with his ex-partner, Austin went to live with him.

"He tried to do what he could to help him.

“We as a family are extremely disappointed in Austin for what he has put our family through and the fact it has come to this."

Det Ch Insp Jill Riley said the "unprovoked and spontaneous violence" was "truly appalling".

She said: "This is a very rare case where a murder victim was able to provide an account of the attack to the police, which was played to the jury during this trial.

"This was extremely upsetting for members of Stephen’s family who were present in court."