DAVE MCCORKELL'S BRUTAL MURDER IN BECKENHAM LEAVES FAMILY DEVASTATED

A 54-year-old man named David McCorkell has been handed a life sentence in prison after being found guilty of a particularly savage and violent murder. The incident took place at the home of his girlfriend, Diane Dyer, who was 61 years old, in Beckenham. The Old Bailey court heard harrowing details of the attack, revealing that McCorkell subjected Ms Dyer to a brutal assault that involved both beating and strangulation, resulting in a total of 71 injuries inflicted upon her body.

Her lifeless body was discovered shortly after 11 pm in her bedroom, following a neighbor’s call to emergency services. The neighbor had noticed bloodstains and signs of disarray through her window, prompting concern and immediate action. Prosecutor Allison Hunter QC described the scene vividly, stating, "There was extensive blood splatter within that room. There was blood on the bedsheets, blood on the bedside table, blood on the cupboard." The post-mortem examination confirmed that Ms Dyer had sustained 36 injuries to her head and neck, including injuries consistent with strangulation, such as a chokehold, which indicated the severity of the attack.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Ms Dyer’s friends had expressed concern over her relationship with McCorkell, which had lasted for approximately three months. They noted that he visited her almost daily and had exhibited troubling behavior. Witnesses also reported hearing a disturbance at around 5 pm on the day of the murder, with neighbors hearing screams and the shouted name 'Dave.'

McCorkell offered different explanations for his actions, suggesting that the killing might have been triggered by an argument over disrespecting his mother’s grave or a dispute related to obtaining drugs. However, the judge, Richard Marks, was unequivocal in his condemnation. He described McCorkell as a "thoroughly evil bully" and emphasized the brutality of the murder, noting that her injuries were so severe that her head had to be shaved to properly examine them. The judge dismissed claims that the killing was accidental, labeling the act as "savage, vicious, and brutal," and highlighted McCorkell’s dangerous nature.

It was also revealed that McCorkell had a troubling history of violence, having been imprisoned four times prior to this case. Notably, he received a life sentence in 2002 for beating a woman with a wooden pole. After serving 13 years, he was released in 2015, only to be rearrested and sentenced again in 2019 for domestic burglary, serving a 27-month term. When questioned about the murder, McCorkell denied any involvement, claiming, "Murder? I ain't killed no-one." Despite his denials, evidence suggested that he did not intend to kill Ms Dyer, and he showed some remorse during the proceedings. His legal team argued that he required treatment for drug addiction issues.

Judge Marks made it clear that McCorkell’s past record would influence decisions regarding parole, emphasizing the danger he poses. The court was also informed that McCorkell’s actions were particularly violent and that he demonstrated a dangerous and unpredictable nature. Diane Dyer was separated from her husband, Les Dyer, with whom she shared two children and two grandchildren. Her husband expressed profound grief and sadness over her loss, describing her as a kind person who was taken advantage of by McCorkell. The family is mourning her death deeply, especially during the holiday season. Her husband remarked, "My family have been devastated by Diane’s murder. Diane should still be here now, about to enjoy Christmas with her loved ones."