Hit-and-run revenge killer jailed for life
Liam Boydell was jailed for a minimum of 20 years
A man who mowed down and killed a man in a targeted revenge attack in Grimsby has been jailed for life.
Reece Braithwaite, 35, was seriously injured after being hit by a car on Carnforth Crescent in May. He died in hospital three days later.
Liam Boydell, 23, of Columbus Way, Grimsby, pleaded guilty to his murder in August.
During a sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court on Tuesday, Boydell was told he must serve a minimum of 20 years in prison.
Mr Braithwaite sustained a significant head injury after being hit by a Vauxhall Crossland which mounted the pavement at about 17:15 BST on 21 May.
Humberside Police said while Mr Braithwaite was in hospital officers established he had been the victim of a “targeted hit-and-run” and Boydell was arrested on 24 May.
Officers said the attack was motivated by an unfounded rumour Mr Braithwaite was in a relationship with a relative of a friend of Boydell.
A second man, Thomas McLaughlin,19, was also charged with murder following the incident, but the charge against him was later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Reece Braithwaite died from his injuries three days after the attack
Det Insp Samantha Chester said: “The callous actions of Boydell that evening were absolutely unforgiveable.
“This was an indefensible and ruthless attack on a man who had all of his life in front of him and everything to look forward to.
“Boydell has left Reece’s loved ones having to navigate the extremely difficult and heart-breaking path of life without their son, brother and father.”
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