Austin Duckworth, the son of Stephen Duckworth, was found guilty of his father’s murder after violating his bail conditions by going to his father’s home and repeatedly punching him in the head. Despite initially dismissing the need for medical attention, Stephen later had to call an ambulance and was taken to the hospital where it was discovered that he had suffered a devastating brain bleed. Despite efforts to save him, Stephen died from blunt force head trauma on October 12, 2023. Austin Duckworth will be sentenced on April 16.
The five-day trial at Preston Crown Court revealed the tragic details of the violent attack by Austin Duckworth on his elderly father, who died at the age of 72. The attack involved multiple blows to Stephen’s head and face, resulting in non-survivable injuries. The jury heard accounts of previous incidents where Austin had assaulted his father, leading to increasing tension and concerns for Stephen’s safety. Prior to the fatal attack, Austin had posted disturbing messages on Facebook offering money for someone to kill his father.
Despite being banned from his father’s home and having a history of violence towards him, Austin disregarded the court order and launched a brutal assault on Stephen Duckworth, causing his death. Stephen had reported previous incidents to the police, indicating a pattern of abuse from his son. The court heard that Austin had a troubling relationship with his father, fueled by a desire to inherit the house and other assets. The jury was presented with evidence of a prior assault where Stephen was almost strangled by his son, showcasing the escalating violence within the family.
Following the murder conviction, DCI Jill Riley expressed the tragic nature of the case and acknowledged the impact on Stephen’s family. The details of the violent attack were played in court, further distressing the family members present. Justice was served with the guilty verdict, but the loss of Stephen at the hands of his own son was a harrowing ordeal for all involved. The sentencing of Austin Duckworth will bring some closure to the family, though the pain of losing a loved one in such a violent manner will linger.
The case highlighted the urgency of addressing domestic abuse and the need for legal protections to prevent such tragic outcomes. The court heard how Stephen had reported incidents to the police and sought help, but the escalating violence ultimately led to his untimely death. The disturbing messages posted by Austin on social media also underscored the dangers of unchecked aggression and the impact of family disputes on vulnerable individuals. The sentencing of Austin Duckworth will serve as a reminder of the consequences of abusive behavior and the importance of seeking help in such situations.
The details of the case, including the timeline of events leading up to Stephen Duckworth’s death, paint a grim picture of domestic violence and its devastating consequences. The courtroom drama and the accounts of witnesses shed light on the troubled relationship between father and son, culminating in a tragic end. The legal proceedings and the eventual sentencing of Austin Duckworth serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing domestic abuse and protecting vulnerable individuals from harm. The impact of Stephen’s death will be felt by his family and the community, as they grapple with the loss and the aftermath of the violent attack.
