FOUR men have been found guilty of murdering a man in Basingstoke after he stole drugs from one of them. 

Frazer Brabant was assaulted and found with serious head injuries in the back garden of a house in Gershwin Road on October 31, 2019.

The 31-year-old father-of-two was taken to hospital and died on January 21, 2020.

On Tuesday, June 6, a jury at Winchester Crown Court found four men guilty of murdering Mr Brabant following a lengthy trial.

The four men found guilty of murder are:

  • Scott Neale, 35, from Spindle Close, Oakridge
  • Lee Wood, 32, from Griston, Thetford, Norfolk
  • Forhad Miah, 32, from Chestnuts Close, Oakley
  • James O'Connor, 24, from Fairfield, Whitchurch

The jury also found Neale, Wood, and Miah guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, and violent disorder.

Neale's brother Ricky Lewis, 40, of Candover Court, Basingstoke, was also found guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm, but not guilty of violent disorder.

The court previously heard that the fatal attack on Mr Brabant was carried out as "revenge" after Mr Brabant, armed with a machete, stole cannabis from Neale on July 31, 2019.

A post-mortem examination found that Frazer had been struck multiple times to the head by a heavy, sharp-edged object. At least one of the blows caused catastrophic brain damage.

After the verdict, Wood made an outburst from the dock, swearing as Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb thanked the jury for their service and speaking about the justice system. He had to be removed from the dock by police officers.

Prosecutor Michael Burrows KC told the court that Neale had a history of convictions for assault, battery, and grievous bodily harm.

The court heard that Lewis had previous convictions for assault and battery, but nothing since 2010; Miah had previous convictions for assault, violent disorder, possession of an offensive weapon, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis; while Wood had previous convictions for battery and arson.

O'Connor had no previous convictions.

Detective Sergeant Dan Hunt from the Northern Investigation Team said: “Our thoughts are, as always, with the family and friends of Frazer.

“This was a premediated act of violence that has not only led to a man losing his life, but has also destroyed the lives of many others.

“These convictions recognise a tremendous commitment over many years to not only those who’ve worked tirelessly to secure justice for Frazer, but more importantly to witnesses who’ve stood up to those who chose to cause misery.”

The judge said that sentencing would take place at a later date.