Two men have been sentenced to life imprisonment after fatally attacking a man they wrongly believed to be a convicted paedophile. David Garland received a life sentence with a minimum term of 32 years, and Mark Roberts was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 27 years. Both were found guilty of murder and conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.
The victim, Michael Wheeler, 37, from Yeovil, was friends with both men as well as three others who were later cleared of all charges. The tragedy stemmed from a mistaken identity following a news report about another man named Michael Wheeler convicted in 2003 for child sexual offenses. The murdered Michael Wheeler had no such convictions.
The court heard that the attack occurred at Roberts’ flat, where Michael suffered multiple severe injuries, including 11 fractures to his skull and face. His body was subsequently hidden in an abandoned caravan on farmland in Yarlington and discovered a month later.
READ MORE: Returning to Butlin’s Minehead After 29 Years: A Mix of Nostalgia and Surprises
Michael’s mother, who was terminally ill during the time of his disappearance, passed away before the trial but left a heartfelt victim personal statement. She expressed her desperate wish to live long enough to see justice served and shared the pain of not being able to say goodbye to her son.
Michael’s sister described him as a loving man who deeply cared for his family and was cherished by children in the family. She conveyed her heartbreak over losing both her brother and mother in quick succession and her struggle to come to terms with the loss and the circumstances surrounding it.
Additionally, Michael’s ex-wife spoke of the profound impact of his death on her and their young daughter. She highlighted his loving nature and the regret he felt for not being more present in his daughter’s life, emphasizing that he was not the man his attackers falsely believed him to be.
The sentences reflect the gravity of the crime, yet those closest to Michael acknowledge that no punishment can truly ease the pain of his loss.
