BRADFORD MAN JAILED FOR LIFE FOR KILLING FATHER WITH CRICKET BAT
A man responsible for killing his father using a cricket bat and a metal dog bowl has been sentenced to life imprisonment with at least 20 years to serve.Santokh Singh, 59, known as Charlie, was attacked by his son, Phillip Badwal, 25, at their residence on Airedale Road in Bradford on 30 November 2020.
Bradford Crown Court heard that Badwal, who was out on bail at the time, carried out a violent attack after an argument with his father that was described as "unspeakable" violence.
Although Badwal initially denied the murder charge, he later changed his plea during the court proceedings.
Singh, who had previously worked as a publican and engineer, sustained critical injuries during the 20-minute attack, including significant skull fractures, facial injuries, a broken nose, and a broken leg.
The judge, Jonathan Rose, characterized the assault as "a savage, brutal and prolonged attack on a defenseless and vulnerable man." It was revealed in court that Badwal had a history of threatening and assaulting his father and had also forced him to purchase drugs and pay off drug-related debts.
The day prior to the killing, Mr Singh had visited a new flat with relatives and was vocal about his unhappiness with his living circumstances.
After the violence, Badwal did not call emergency services but instead contacted drug dealers, attempted to cover his tracks by throwing the cricket bat over a neighbor’s fence, and disposed of his mobile phone.
He also falsely told police that his father had come home injured.
Defence lawyer Peter Moulson QC stated that Badwal’s behavior was influenced by his drug addiction, which he said was the main cause of his actions, and that he could not remember the events clearly.
At the time of the murder, Badwal also faced charges related to street robberies and had received a five-year prison sentence from Leicester Crown Court in May.
Detective Superintendent Tony Nicholson remarked that Badwal’s attack was serious and prolonged, ultimately resulting in fatal injuries to his father.
Despite rapid response efforts, the emergency services were unable to save Mr Singh.
