Addict who brutally murdered pal in Leeds flat ordered to serve at least 22 years in jail
It was described as a “prolonged and vicious” attack
A drug addict who murdered his friend in a tower block before dragging him outside and dumping his body near communal bins has been told he must serve at least 22 years behind bars.
Scott Silkstone was found guilty in July after trial at Leeds Crown Court over the horror killing of 55-year-old amputee Dwayne Tuohey on New Year’s Day.
Mr Tuohey was struck with weapons during the sickening attack, including his own false leg.
Appearing for sentence today, Judge Howard Crowson told 51-year-old Silkstone that it was a “prolonged and vicious” attack.
He said: “I considered it to be overwhelming evidence.
“He did nothing to provoke or bring about his death.”
He said he disbelieved Silkstone’s claims that he could not remember the attack, and said he recollected some memories when cross examined during the trial.
He was given the mandatory life sentence, meaning he will be on licence for the remainder of his life, but must serve at least 22 years before being considered for parole.
In a victim impact statement, read to the court by Mr Tuohey’s sister-in-law, Tina Tuohey, she said there were “so many unanswered questions”.
She added: “The thought of what he experienced in his final moments is deeply distressing.
“We have always struggled to come to terms with the way Dwayne died. There are times when we can’t stop thinking about what happened to him.
“It has changed the way we see the world and how devastating violent crime is.”
During the two week trial it was heard that both Silkstone and Mr Tuohey were entrenched drug addicts, spending up to £300 a day on crack and heroin.
Shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day, they were both seen getting into the lift to go back to Mr Tuohey’s Burmantofts flat.
Then shortly after 8am, Silkstone appeared in the lift again, dragging Mr Tuohey’s body. He had just one leg and was extremely thin and frail due to years of drug use. Silkstone was covered in blood.
Stopping frequently to stamp on Mr Tuohey’s midriff, he eventually dumped his body near to the bins of the Burmantofts block of flats. Two women arriving for work dialled 999.
Silkstone removed Mr Tuohey’s trousers then walked away, heading to the shops where he casually bought a milkshake.
He was arrested a short time later and charged with murder.
Forensic analysis of the flat determined that a sustained and brutal attack on Mr Tuohey had taken place, with items being used to strike him, including his own prosthetic leg.
Photos from the squalid flat in Gargrave Court showed multiple blood stains found across smashed furniture and spattered across walls and surfaces.
Silkstone maintained he had no memory of what happened because he was “out of it” on drugs.
But while giving evidence, he then admitted he had “glimpses” of recollection, first saying he remembered finding Mr Tuohey unconscious on the floor, then later saying he remembered striking him with the false limb.
However, he continued to deny inflicting the dozens of injuries that killed Mr Tuohey.
It was heard that in the days leading up to his death, Mr Tuohey had accused Silkstone of bullying him, sending him a phone message to say he had “had enough”.
A taxi driver who picked the pair up hours before the murder gave evidence during the trial to say he heard them arguing about money, thought to be Silkstone wanting cash from Mr Tuohey.
Police had even been to Mr Tuohey’s flat to inquire about allegations that he was the victim of intimidation.
Silkstone denied bullying him, saying he was his friend and looked out for him, even shoplifting to raise the money for drugs for them to share.
He said it was drug-taking cycle the pair went through day after day for years.
Silkstone repeatedly said he was not a violent person, but prosecutor Michelle Colborne KC pointed out that he had been jailed for a violent robbery previously.