The family of a man murdered following an unprovoked attack after an argument about not sharing drugs have said his addiction did not define him.
Ian MacNeil was beaten with an empty wine bottle and a walking stick before escaping the flat where he was brutally attacked by Dean Williams.
The 46-year-old was found slumped in a doorway near the flat on Southfield Road, Middlesbrough, by a passing police officer before being taken to hospital in November 2021.
Mr McNeil suffered a bleed to the brain, broken ribs, and a punctured lung as a result of the attack. He died 12-days later in James Cook University Hospital.
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Following a trial at Teesside Crown Court, the 50-year-old defendant was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life with a minimum of 16 years in prison.
Mr MacNeil’s mother, Carole, paid tribute to her son.
She said: “Firstly, I want everyone to know that although Ian had issues with alcohol and drugs this should not define him. He was not a violent man; he was a loving, caring son, brother, and uncle and very much a part of our family. Ian was a lovely kind-hearted man, he was not aggressive, he just wanted to live a quiet life.
“It’s hard for me to put into words the impact that his death has had, it must be bad enough to lose a son by natural causes but to have him taken through violence at the hands of another when there was absolutely no reason for it, I don’t think I will ever come to terms with that.
“We miss Ian every day, he would call in most days to see us so I find myself even now still expecting him to come through the door and then reality hits me that I will never see my son again and it is absolute torture to know that.
“What happened to Ian that night will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Every family event, every special occasion and just every day won’t be the same without him and as a family will have to live with this for the rest of our lives.”
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Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Simone Bennett, of Cleveland Police, said: “Ian MacNeil was assaulted by Dean Williams so seriously that he died ten days later from his injuries.
“Ian was dearly loved by his family and friends and they will now have to live the rest of their lives without him. I am pleased that Williams has now been convicted and will spend significant time behind bars to pay for what he has done. I hope this will bring some form of comfort to Ian’s family.
“I’d like to thank the homeless community who came together to bring their evidence to the court room and help us get the justice that Ian and his family deserves.”
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