Released murderer jailed after killing again

Liam Jones killed a man in 2002 but was released on parole in 2021

A murderer has been jailed again after killing for a second time following his release from prison.

Liam Jones inflicted at least 37 injuries on disabled father-of-five Phillip Breach in Oxford on 30 November 2022 after the pair had a minor altercation the day before.

Jones, 45, had been jailed for another man’s murder in 2002 but was released on parole in 2021.

He was jailed for life again, with a minimum of 37 years, on Thursday at Reading Crown Court.

Phillip Breach was described by his daughter as "one-in-a-billion"

Popular local figure Mr Breach, 59, was making his way back from the Co-op shop in Wood Farm Park after buying a newspaper and a chocolate bar – as he did routinely – when he was attacked.

Several neighbours heard his cries for help, which were also caught on nearby CCTV cameras, and called the emergency services.

He was found in the park and taken to hospital where he was later declared dead.

Body-worn video footage from a police officer patrolling the murder scene hours after the attack showed Jones asking him about what had happened.

He told the officer, "I hope they're alright, whoever it is", before cycling off. He was arrested the next day.

Mr Justice Murray said it had been “horrifying” to hear Mr Breach’s screams during Jones’ trial.

Jones set upon Mr Breach in Wood Farm Park and residents heard his cries for help

The judge said he was sure Jones had meant to kill Mr Breach.

He said while the killing was different to his knife attack on a man in Southampton in February 2002, there were “striking coincidences”, including their “savage” nature.

Mr Breach suffered brain damage and walked with a limp after he was hit by a car when he was 20.

The judge said victim impact statements from three of his children showed their “profound grief”.

His daughter Daniella Wilson said he was "one-in-a-billion" and some of Mr Breach's grandchildren had been denied the chance to get to know him by "evil" Jones.

A medical note was sent to the court on Jones’ behalf saying he was too ill to attend his sentencing.

Mr Justice Murray said it was “lacking in specificity” and concluded it was Jones’ intention to not attend but said he was unable to “drag him [to the court] in chains”.

Jones quizzed a police officer about what had happened hours after attacking Mr Breach

He said Jones, of Bonar Road, Oxford, must serve “every single day” of the 37 years before he could be considered for release by the Parole Board.

If he is ever released, Jones will remain on licence and could be recalled

In a statement, Mr Breach's family said: “Losing our Dad in the way we have has shown us we all need each other and to always make that phone call, always tell that person you love them and to make as many memories as you can, as memories are all we have of our Dad now."

Det Insp Pete Clarke, of Thames Valley Police's major crime unit, described Jones as a "very dangerous individual".