One of two men, both of them alcoholics, who were jailed yesterday for the manslaughter of their drinking friend two years ago, had been released from prison on licence shortly before he carried out the killing.
Derry's Crown Court was also told that the victim's identity could only be established from dental records because his body was burned beyond recognition after he was dumped in a wheelie bin that one of the defendants then set on fire.
Liam Duddy (42), and William Wilson (33), who shared a flat at Linenhall Street, Limavady, Co Derry, both pleaded guilty to the June 13th, 2004, manslaughter of William Trainor (50), from Gorteen Crescent, Limavady. Duddy, who had been on release from prison, was jailed for 12 years, three years of which will be custody probation. Wilson was jailed for 5½ years, one of which will be custody probation.
Judge Donal Deeney was told that Duddy administered the blows to the victim and had set the wheelie bin, containing Mr Trainor's body, on fire.
Prosecution barrister Jackie Orr QC told the court that the police discovered human remains in a wheelie bin close to the town's Masonic Hall, less than a hundred yards from the defendants' flat.
Ms Orr said blood on the carpets, walls, venetian blinds, curtains and sofa of the flat was identified as being that of the victim.