A heroin addict has been jailed for at least 20 years for murdering Ystrad Mynach man David Lewis.
Gareth Wyn Jones had been out of prison for just five days when he targeted and attacked Mr Lewis on Wednesday March 19 this year near to the Taff embankment in Cardiff.
Jones had been released after serving half of a six-year jail sentence after stabbing his girlfriend with a fork.
Cardiff Crown Court was told how Jones had picked out Mr Lewis, who was described as vulnerable, at a hostel just 90 minutes before attacking and killing him.
Jones stole £50 from Mr Lewis which he used to fund a drugs binge. He also tried to withdraw money with Mr Lewis’ stolen bank card.
He had pleaded guilty to manslaughter, but denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility. A jury unanimously found him guilty.
On October 23 at Cardiff Crown Court, Jones was given a mandatory life sentence and ordered to serve a minimum term of 20 years before being considered for release.
Detective Chief Inspector Kath Pritchard of the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Investigations Team said: “This was a particularly tragic incident which left people feeling extremely shocked and saddened. David was a vulnerable adult who died in unimaginable circumstances. He was very much loved by his family.
“We are truly grateful to all those who came forward with information to assist our investigation and hope that today’s verdict reassures members of the public, not only in Cardiff, but across South Wales that anyone who preys on the vulnerability of others will be brought to justice.”
