A man described as “raging” has been sentenced to prison for the brutal killing of a British war veteran during a street attack fueled by alcohol and drugs.
Gregory Twigg, 32, from Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, assaulted Lee Woodward, a medically retired veteran, while he was out with his fiancee, Kate Griffin, in June 2022. The incident occurred shortly after the couple had left The Liquor Vaults pub on Trade Street. Twigg, who was under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, left Woodward with severe brain damage, leading to his death in the hospital ten months later.
Twigg had already been serving a jail term for a previous offense but was later convicted of murder after a trial in July. He received a life sentence with a minimum term of 11 years. The attack, captured on CCTV footage, showed Twigg knocking Woodward to the ground with several punches, ultimately leaving him unconscious in the street.
After the assault, Twigg fled the scene but was apprehended by authorities soon after. In court, Woodward’s family expressed their pain and sorrow over his deterioration in the hospital, leading to his death in April 2023. Described as a pillar of strength for his family, Woodward’s partner highlighted the severe and cruel injuries inflicted on him.
Twigg admitted to consuming drugs and alcohol prior to the incident and claimed he acted in self-defense, intending only to give Woodward a black eye. However, he expressed regret for the outcome and acknowledged his violent tendencies. The court learned of Twigg’s history of previous convictions for violence and his acknowledgment of the consequences of his actions.
During sentencing, the judge criticized Twigg for prolonging the legal process by initially pleading not guilty to murder, causing further distress to the victim’s family. The judge remarked that Twigg’s actions indicated a lack of genuine remorse for the sustained and severe assault on Woodward.
In conclusion, Twigg received a life sentence for his actions, with the judge questioning the sincerity of his remorse and highlighting the impact of the prolonged legal proceedings on the victim’s loved ones.