Duo found guilty of murdering fellow hotel guest in 'sustained' street attack

Tuesday 21st January 2025 11:15 GMT

Two men have been found guilty of murdering a Scottish man who had been staying at the same hotel as them in Wales.

Andrew Main, 33, from Falkirk, died from his injuries after he was attacked in Swansea city centre last year.

Joseph Dix, 26, and Macauley Ruddock, 28, both from Bath, denied his murder but were convicted on Monday.

Mr Main never regained consciousness after the "sustained attack" on 17 July 2024. He died on 14 August.

Dix, Ruddock and Mr Main were all visiting Swansea for work and were staying at the same hotel in the city centre.

After meeting each other at a nearby bar, an argument broke out back at the hotel between Dix and Ruddock and Mr Main and his friend.

Detective Inspector Claire Lamerton, from South Wales Police, said the argument "moved onto the street" before the defendants chased after Mr Main, "ultimately striking him unconscious before carrying out a sustained attack".

She added: "While the parties had all consumed alcohol that night, that does not provide an excuse for the level of violence displayed by Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock.

"They clearly set out to cause serious injury to their victim, and now will face significant prison sentences for their actions."

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DI Lamerton said the force's thoughts were with Mr Main's family and friends.

She added: "This case highlights how the effects of intoxicants can negatively affect behaviour and decision-making.

"Had Joseph Dix and Macauley Ruddock chosen to walk away that night, a life would have been saved, and they would not be convicted killers."

The pair are due to be sentenced later this week.