A killing duo who beat a 'doting' father to death have been handed life sentences in prison. Carlos Boyce was killed in the early hours of November 11, 2022 in a flat in Pallister Park, Middlesbrough after having a bottle of vodka smashed over his head.
Lee Hogg, 38, and Terry Dalton, 53 were convicted of Boyce's murder this week at Teesside Crown Court but have now been handed life sentences with Hogg to serve a minimum term of 20 years and Dalton to serve a minimum of 19 years, reports TeesideLive.
The drug-dealing pair were found to have been guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Boyce's friend, Joe Spencer, whose flat was the setting for the attack last year.
Judge Crowson, addressing the pair in the dock said: "Carlos Boyce was left with dreadful head injuries.
"As he lay still alive you hosed him down with scalding water from the nearby shower. The temperature was sufficient to cause what the pathologist described as skin sagging. There has been a profound effect on the family of Carlos Boyce and Mr Spencer. The whole family has lost a loving man.
"You both have been convicted of the murder of Carlos Boyce and causing grievous bodily harm to Joe Spencer with intent. The sentence for murder is life imprisonment and that is the sentence I impose on each of you on count one."
The court heard Hogg has 10 convictions for 16 offences and Dalton has 25 convictions for 44 offences.
A family statement that paid tribute to the dad read: "Carlos was a loving and doting Dad, son, brother, uncle, cousin, partner and friend to many. He was loved and is greatly missed by all who knew him.
"Carlos was described by his son as ‘the best man in the world’ and that he was ‘his idol’. Carlos was described by his mother Susan as ‘her sunshine’ and the family will never be the same again without him.
"We are pleased with the verdict today and we take comfort from the fact that justice has been done but no verdict can fill the void left by the loss of Carlos to this senseless crime."
Carlos' son Jaden said: "My father was my hero, he meant the world to me. He was my number one. He had the most beautiful heart and smile in the world. It's been six months since he was taken from us. You are missed and loved more than you will ever know - my hero."
Joe Spencer, who was also attacked said his friend did not deserve to die. His full statement read: "I live with the trauma of what happened to Carlos and me everyday. I lost a really good friend that night. Carlos did not deserve to die.
"Not only did I lose my friend but I lost my home. I had my own place which I worked so hard to get. I really loved living there and had a lot of support around me. I’m back to the beginning after building myself up from 16 months in shared accommodation.
"After what happened I was admitted to a mental health hospital. I struggled to deal with losing Carlos, he’s still on my mind all the time. I constantly relive that night in my head.
"I've been left with crippling social anxiety and forever worry about my safety. This has had a direct impact on my confidence and how I interact with other people.
"The scars on my face are a permanent reminder of what happened that night. My life will never be the same again. I’m just pleased that we finally have justice for Carlos."
Following their convictions, senior investigating officer, temporary Detective Superintendent Chris Motson, said: “I am pleased with today’s verdict and hope that this goes some way towards bringing some comfort to Carlos’ family, even though it can never bring him back.
"Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time, but we are pleased that justice has now been done for Carlos and his whole family.”
Judge Crowson sentenced Hogg to life imprisonment for the murder and said his case will not be entitled for consideration by the parole board for 20 years. He was also handed a six year prison sentence to be served concurrently for the attack on Mr Spencer.
Meanwhile Dalton was also handed life imprisonment for the murder and was told his case will not be considered by the parole board for 19 years. He was given a five year prison sentence for the attack on Mr Spencer which will be served concurrently.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
READ NEXT:
Scots couple hiding in safe house after 300 paedophile hunters attacked wrong home
Moment man knocks out two bullies after being approached by gang of four in city centre
Victim of fugitive Nicholas Rossi reveals hell she suffered at sex fiend's hands
Scots mum's 'bruise' under fingernail turned out to be rare skin cancer
