A woman who lured her former boyfriend to a secluded path where he was savagely beaten by her controlling ex-lover and a student has today been convicted of murder.
Care worker Michael Beckwith, 44, was seriously hurt during a frenzied attack in Harwich on July 31 last year and died just days later in hospital.
Today Rebecca Ryan, 22, of Hilltop Rise, Weeley and her jealous ex-boyfriend Scott Swift, 27, were found guilty of his murder after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
A married couple who helped Ryan and Swift cover up their plot to kill Mr Beckwith, who worked at Connolly House Care Home in Weeley were also found guilty of perverting the course of justice.
Described as a “gentle giant” by his family, Mr Beckwith had arranged to meet Ryan, his ex-girlfriend, late on July 31 to discuss their relationship which had ended a few days before.
She lured him to Radar Tower in Barrack Lane, Harwich and led the 44-year-old up a short way up a stony track – but before long their way was blocked by a metal gate.
Mr Beckwith turned around and was attacked by Swift and student Joseph Smith, of Canning Street, Harwich, who both had their faces covered and were holding metal bars.
From his hospital bed Mr Beckwith told officers he received a Facebook message from someone he did not know warning him to stay away from Ryan.
She called 999 and claimed Swift had gone to the scene when she told him what happened.
Swift later told police he had sent the message using a fake profile in the hope Mr Beckwith would leave Ryan alone.
The court heard Mr Beckwith and Ryan had a short but tumultuous relationship and at one point had been engaged to marry.
She was angry about their separation and Swift was still in love with her.
Together they planned the attack on Mr Beckwith.
Smith, a student, was convicted of manslaughter at Chelmsford Crown Court today.
Unemployed couple Triston Biddlecombe, 24 and Enderlein Biddlecombe, 20, of East Street, Harwich, were convicted of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.
The court heard they provided an alibi for Swift and washed and burned his and Smith’s clothes.
Paying tribute to Mr Beckwith, his family said: “Words cannot express the shock and pain we as a family have suffered since Michael’s early passing.
“His loss is beyond words, especially the events that led to his death.
“Michael had a big heart, as big as the world.
They added: “His death has left a gaping hole in our family.”
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