BEN OLIVER FROM BEXLEYHEATH SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL KILLING OF GRANDFATHER IN MOTTINGHAM

In a landmark case that has captured national attention, Ben Oliver, a 25-year-old man from Bexleyheath, was sentenced for the tragic killing of his elderly grandfather in Mottingham, located in southeast London. This case is particularly notable as it marks the first time in England and Wales that a sentencing hearing has been broadcast live on television, following a legal change that now permits cameras to record such proceedings.

Ben Oliver was convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, after admitting to the killing but being cleared of murder charges at the Old Bailey. The court heard that the incident occurred in January 2021, when Oliver attacked his 74-year-old grandfather, David Oliver, who was confined to his bed following a stroke. The attack took place in the comfort of the grandfather’s bedroom, where he was described as helpless and vulnerable.

During the sentencing, Judge Sarah Munro QC imposed a life sentence with a minimum term of ten years and eight months. This decision was historic, as it was the first time a filmed sentencing was conducted in England and Wales, a development that comes nine years after the law was changed to allow broadcasters to film such proceedings. The new legislation explicitly permits the filming of sentencing hearings for serious criminal cases, although it does not extend to broadcasting entire trials.

At the hearing, it was revealed that Ben Oliver was denied a hospital order because authorities considered him a significant risk to the public. Jurors learned that the attack was particularly brutal; David Oliver was found with 21 stab wounds to his face and seven to his torso. Prosecutor Louis Mably QC described the assault as “brutal,” emphasizing that it was carried out with the clear intention to kill.

The court was told that Oliver’s actions were influenced by his emotional state and recent revelations. He had become extremely angry after learning of allegations against his grandfather involving historic sexual abuse of young girls. It was also disclosed that Oliver has autism, which, combined with other emotional and mental health issues, was considered to have diminished his responsibility for the killing. Judge Munro noted that due to his condition, Oliver believed he saw no alternative but to kill his grandfather.

Further background revealed that in 2016, Ben Oliver was convicted of sexual offences against a young girl when he was just 15 years old. The court described this as “learned behaviour from your own childhood.” His upbringing was marked by significant trauma; his stepfather, only identified as Steve, was described as extremely cruel and physically violent. The court heard that Oliver was subjected to a sexually charged environment from a young age and was introduced to child pornography at the age of five.

Psychologists appointed by the court characterized Oliver as “a very damaged man who will require psychological work in the longer term.” In the months leading up to the killing, Oliver had become aware of allegations of sexual abuse against his grandfather, who was also accused of mistreating his wife and having extramarital affairs. His grandmother reportedly told him she could not find peace until her husband’s death. Oliver was also suffering from depression and had attempted suicide multiple times, jurors were told.

Prosecutor Louis Mably summarized the situation by stating, “He was a troubled and angry young man,” highlighting the complex web of emotional, psychological, and situational factors that contributed to this tragic event.