Trio guilty of Ben Gardner 'Halloween hat' murder

[REALJEM]

Trio guilty of Ben Gardner 'Halloween hat' murder

Three men have been found guilty of murdering an IT worker on Halloween in a row over his girlfriend's hat.

Ben Gardner, 30, was punched and kicked in Sutton, south London, in October 2009 after the hat was snatched.

Allanna Devine, 28, was also punched as her boyfriend lay injured.*
The attack happened after Ms Devine asked for her hat back, the Old Bailey heard.

Daniel Ransom and Ross Collender, both 21, and Jordan Dixon, 18, of Carshalton, had denied murder.

Mr Gardner, who worked for insurance firm Legal & General, had been to a club with Ms Devine to celebrate her birthday.

[REALJEM]

Daniel Ransom and Ross Collender and Jordan Dixon - Men jailed for Ben Gardner Halloween hat murder


- the three killers - Murdered


Three men have been jailed for life for murdering a man on Halloween in a row over his girlfriend's fancy dress hat.

Ben Gardner, 30, was punched and kicked in Sutton, south London, in October 2009 after 28-year-old Allana Devine's pirate hat was snatched.

Daniel Ransom and Ross Collender, both 21, and Jordan Dixon, 18, of Carshalton, had denied murder.
Ransom and Collender will serve a minimum of 16 years while Dixon was given a minimum term of 14 years.

Judge Richard Hone said: "The three of you jointly attacked and cowardly murdered a decent, gold standard young man of exceptional character, charm, gentleness and ability, who gave absolutely no provocation.

"His attributes shine and sparkle in contrast to your base metal."