16/12/2009

Homophobic Killer Gets Life

A man who carried out a brutal attack on a gay couple in south London has been imprisoned for life.

One of the men was killed and the other seriously injured when they were set upon by 46-year-old David Kilcullen.

Kilcullen entered the couple's home in Bromley with the intension of committing a robbery.

Armed with a knife, he attacked 59-year-old Gerald Edwards, who died from his injuries.

Mr Edwards' partner Chris Bevan, 57, suffered "catastrophic injuries" during the incident.

Judge Brian Barker, the Common Serjeant of London, said: "There was at least an undercurrent of homophobic attitude."

He suggested Kilcullen may well die in prison because of the danger he posed.

Judge Barker handed down a life sentence to Kilcullen, who must serve a minimum of 32 years.

Housebound Mr Edwards sustained four stab wounds and died in his blood-covered Page Heath Villas flat.

Health worker Mr Bevan, who was also slashed, managed to flee and raise the alarm.

He escaped death after receiving open-heart massage at the scene.

Mr Bevan's heart had stopped for a time after the attack.

The court heard Kilcullen was determined not to leave any witnesses behind.

(PR/KMcA)

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