THE FAMILY of a Stratford man whose life was ‘cruelly ended’ when he was savagely beaten to death have spoken of their devastation.
Tristram Wallace pleaded for mercy as he was repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped on during two separate attacks in broad daylight on the afternoon of June 22 last year.
The 36-year-old was left with more than 40 injuries and suffered a cardiac arrest after being set upon by a gang of four drink and drug addicts in Stratford town centre.
The sustained attacks, which brought traffic at the junction of Arden Street and Birmingham Road to a standstill, were part of a “punishment beating” based on the mistaken belief he had cheated them in a drugs deal.
And following a five week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Neil Potter, Peter Mallon, Donna Windsor, and Toney Jelf were this week jailed for a total of more than 50 years for their part in his death.
The court heard how between them, the gang had more than 200 previous convictions for offences including grievous bodily harm, theft, and drunkenness.
Addressing her son’s killers prior to their sentencing, Tristram’s mother, Stephanie Addavide, said: “Tristram was our only child and our world.
“You have not only destroyed his life, but ours as well.”
The court was also told how Ms Addavide spends every night with her mother – Tristram’s grandmother – as she is unable to sleep due to recurring nightmares.
Paying tribute following the verdicts, his family said: “Tristram was a loving son and grandson. Our only child, he was caring, funny and kind.
“He loved to travel – particularly in the USA – where he worked and even appeared in television commercials.
“He enjoyed sport and was a football fan, supporting Manchester United.
“We are completely devastated, not only by the loss of our devoted son, but the horrific way Tristram was taken from us in the prime of his life.
“His hopes, dreams and aspirations have been cruelly taken away and our lives will never be the same again. We are not living, just existing.
“We would like to thank our friends, family and the community for their kindness and compassion. We would also like to thank Warwickshire Police for their ongoing help and support.”
Det Ch Insp Jason Downes from Warwickshire Police said his thoughts were with Tristram’s family.
He added: “None of the defendants have shown any remorse for the despicable, prolonged attack which ended Tristram’s life and the sentence handed to the defendants will not bring him back or take away the trauma, pain and suffering caused to his family.
“I would like to thank the community in Stratford for their patience in the initial days of the police investigation and for also having the confidence to step forward to provide police with critical information which helped bring justice for Tristram.”
Click here for more on the trial.
