Duo murdered beloved dad in 'sustained' attack

Two men murdered a much-loved father after a fight broke out in a hotel.

Joseph Dix, 26, from Frome, Somerset and Macauley Ruddock, 28, from Bath, have been found guilty of murdering Andrew Main, 33, following the attack on Princess Way, Swansea, on 17 July.

Mr Main, from Falkirk, Scotland, was knocked unconscious and suffered serious brain injuries. The "great dad" died almost a month later.

The duo will be sentenced later this week.

South Wales Police's Det Insp Claire Lamerton said the three men, who were visiting the city for work and were staying at the same city centre hotel, met for the first time at a nearby bar.

"Later that night, an argument broke out back at the hotel between Dix and Ruddock and Andrew Main and his friend," she said.

Det Insp Lamerton said the argument later moved to the street, before Dix and Ruddock chased after Mr Main, striking him unconscious before carrying out a "sustained attack".

"While the parties had all consumed alcohol that night, that does not provide an excuse for the level of violence displayed by Dix and Ruddock. They clearly set out to cause serious injury to their victim.

"This case highlights how the effects of intoxicants can negatively affect behaviour and decision-making.

"Had Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers," she added.

Nicola Whelan, who organised a fundraising campaign for Mr Main's family, said he was "fun-loving, carefree and, above all, a great dad, brother and friend".

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.