Man murdered friend in weight plate attack

Michael Drake was found guilty of murder by a jury at Bristol Crown Court

A 46-year-old murdered his friend by hitting him over the head with a weight plate after an argument.

Jordan Simcock, 24, died in hospital in February after Michael Drake attacked him in Ruishton, Somerset.

Drake, of Duke Street in Taunton, was found guilty of murder earlier at Bristol Crown Court.

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Nadine Partridge said the incident was "a shocking attack".

Drake had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder on the grounds he had not intended to cause Mr Simcock serious harm or kill him.

The court heard both men, who were colleagues, had been out drinking together in Taunton before leaving to an address with another friend, where Drake repeatedly struck Mr Simcock.

Jordan Simcock died in hospital two days after the attack

Drake then left the house with the weight plate in a bag.

Their friend called an ambulance for Mr Simcock, who was taken to hospital and died two days later.

In a statement after the trial, Det Insp Partridge said Drake tried to hide his crimes, rather than attempt to help Mr Simcock.

“A pathologist found Jordan had been hit over the head at least four times, causing catastrophic injuries which, despite the best efforts of medics, led to his death.

"It was a brutal attack by a man clearly intent on causing serious injury," she added.

Drake will be sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.