Ex-boxer jailed for murdering man in 'brutal' attack

Judge Martin Picton said Bowers had shown a "grotesque" level of violence

A former boxer has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 19 years for murdering a man in a "brutal" attack.

Adam Bowers, 35, assaulted 46-year-old Nick Bryan at a flat in Rydal Road, Weston-super-Mare on 15 November 2021.

Sentencing him at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Martin Picton said Bowers had shown a "grotesque" level of violence.

Mr Bryan's sister, Holly, said his death had left a "massive void" in her life.

The court heard that Bowers had been released from jail the day before the murder after serving a sentence for criminal damage.

That afternoon, he went to the flat with two women and started drinking.

When the two women went to buy more alcohol they saw Mr Bryan in the shop and invited him back to the flat.

After a number of hours, an argument happened and Bowers violently attacked Mr Bryan by punching and kicking him. He then left the scene with one of the women.

Nick's sister Holly Bryan (r) said his death left a "massive void"

Police and paramedics were called to the address at 03:40 GMT the following morning, where Mr Bryan was found on the kitchen floor with serious injuries.

He was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol and died two days later.

Mr Bryan used to live in Leicestershire and was described as a "gentle soul", loved by family and friends.

His sister's statement to the court said: "No one should ever have to make the decision to turn off their brother’s life support and watch them die.

"I had less than 24 hours to get used to the idea of saying goodbye for ever.

"That was the hardest decision. Our lives have been shattered."

She added: “I’d definitely like him to be remembered for how wonderful a person he was.”

Mr Bryan was described as a "gentle soul" by his family

Det Ch Insp Roger Doxsey at Avon and Somerset Police said there was "relief and satisfaction" that Bowers had been jailed.

"The investigation was really challenging," he said.

"Although we believed we knew who was responsible, the challenge was that there were three people in the house and we had to prove which one was responsible for Nick's death, with very complicated pathology.

"Adam Bowers was dangerous, and he has been taken off the streets.

"I hope it gives the family satisfaction that he can't commit this offence again."