Injuries to Boston murder victim were among the worst senior detective had ever seen

Newark was sentenced to life today at Lincoln Crown Court after being convicted of murder following the fatal attack on Darren, who died later in hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Karl Whiffen revealed that in a frenzied knuckle duster attack lasting less than one minute, Darren sustained five skull fractures, spinal and facial fractures and multiple bleeds to the brain.

Newark chased after Darren after the father-of-two rode past him on a bike while the killer was stood on Shaw Road, Boston.

“On seeing Darren, Newark armed himself with a knuckle duster, chased and caught up with him. He then subjected Darren to a brutal assault using the knuckle duster,” DCI Whiffen said.

“I have been a detective for many years and a homicide SIO across the East Midlands for the last three and a half years. I can say without doubt that these are some of the worst assault injuries inflicted on a person in a public place that I’ve seen. Darren was savagely beaten.”

He continued: “This case has highlighted the absolute danger associated with carrying a weapon and the ultimate penalty that can be paid if one is used, I just wish we were able to bring this issue to the spotlight in a way that didn’t have such tragic consequences for so many people.

“There are a number of issues that we can draw from this investigation. If you strike someone about the head repeatedly with a weapon you can expect a catastrophic outcome, in this case it was the death of another man.

“If you carry a weapon in public and attack someone you will most likely go to prison. Be under no illusion about that.

“Critically, and I want to be really clear about this, always remember that if you leave your home with a weapon, and get into a fight with someone else, you are only ever a few seconds from taking another person’s life, and sentencing your own family to a lifetime without you.

“This isn’t just a police issue, it’s a societal issue. We need to make it socially unacceptable to carry weapons in a public place.

“This weekend the investigation team’s thoughts are with the family of Darren Birks. Hopefully after the verdict this week, they can start the difficult process of moving forward.”

Interview with DCI Whiffen and footage of moments leading up to the killing - click here to view