Coventry man jailed for killing brother with a guitar in care dispute

COVENTRY MAN JAILED FOR KILLING BROTHER WITH A GUITAR IN CARE DISPUTE

The wife of a man killed by his brother in a spat over their mother's care has described the attack as 'unforgivable,' saying it has left a 'huge hole' in their family's lives.

Paul Hawkesford-Barnes, 57, was fatally struck with a guitar while he was asleep at their mother's home in Coventry in March.

Irene, 84, who had dementia, was also attacked but later died.

Steven Barnes, aged 64, of Telfer Road, was sentenced to 20 years in prison at Warwick Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Mr.

Hawkesford-Barnes had been sharing care duties with his two brothers and had stayed overnight at her residence.

The incident was triggered by disagreements over the arrangements and plans to ease Steven Barnes from his caregiving responsibilities, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

On the night of the killing, the victim had expressed concerns for his brother's mental health in a series of text messages.

The police also reported that Steven Barnes admitted manslaughter of his brother and wounding his mother.

The attack was described as 'brutal' by authorities, and the impact on Irene, who was also injured, was significant.

The family described Paul as 'a friendly, loyal and funny person with a huge personality,' and expressed devastation over the tragic events.