Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment after brutally murdering a man they wrongly believed was a convicted paedophile. David Garland and Mark Roberts were found guilty of murder and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.
On Friday, June 13, Garland received a life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years for murder, along with a concurrent two-year sentence for preventing the lawful and decent burial of Michael Wheeler. Roberts was also sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 27 years for the murder charge. No additional penalties were imposed for the conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm charges.
Both men had previously admitted to interfering with the burial of the victim’s body. Three other men—Jack Rance, Angus Warner, and Reuben Clare—were cleared of all charges.
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The court heard that Michael Wheeler, 37, from Yeovil, had been friends with all five men and owed Roberts £100. Their relationship soured when they encountered news of a different Michael Wheeler who had been convicted in 2003 for grooming and sexually abusing teenage girls. The victim was not this man and had no convictions for child sexual offences.
Michael was attacked at Roberts’ flat, suffering multiple injuries including 11 skull and facial fractures before his body was concealed. His remains were discovered a month later in a derelict caravan on farmland in Yarlington.
At the time of Michael’s disappearance, his mother was gravely ill and passed away before the trial. However, her victim personal statement was read in court, expressing her heartbreak and need for justice. She said she extended her life with a do-not-resuscitate order in hope of seeing the trial, underscoring the devastating impact of her son’s loss on the family.
Michael’s sister described him as a loving man with a big heart, recalling how he was wonderful with her children and lamenting the pain of his absence. She shared the profound sorrow of losing both her brother and mother in quick succession, and the lasting emotional scars caused by the murder.
Michael’s ex-wife spoke about the profound effect his death has had on her and their young daughter. Despite being ex-spouses, they shared a close bond, and she painted a picture of Michael as a shy yet loving father and loyal friend who was determined to change his life for the better. She lamented that the men never gave him a chance and hoped his memory would not be defined by the circumstances of his death.