Life Sentence for Murder of Chef in Shrewsbury
A man who murdered a chef in Shrewsbury has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years.
Adam Rowson, 26, of no fixed address, was found guilty of carrying out what the prosecution described as a "brutal and sustained assault" on Alexis De Naray, 46, last year.
The two men met at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in the early hours of 24 June, when Rowson offered De Naray a place to stay. The chef's body was discovered three days later in an empty garage near Shelton Water Tower in Shrewsbury.
Judge Avik Mukherjee, addressing Stafford Crown Court, stated that the killer subjected De Naray to a "fierce, sustained and relentless attack" and then "left him to die."
The court heard that De Naray suffered a traumatic brain injury and severe rib fractures consistent with stamping and kicking.
Rowson, convicted of murder last month, also stole the victim's bank card, which he used to purchase alcohol and scratch cards.
The judge remarked:
"[De Naray] was a damaged and vulnerable person who was struggling with alcoholism up until his passing."
"By the time you [Rowson] left him in the disused garage, probably on the 25th June, he had been so severely beaten by you he was dying or dead.
Rather than calling for help, you left him to die."
Family Reactions
Constantine De Naray, the victim's father, expressed his grief, saying:
"No parent should have to bury their own child."
He described his son as a "very talented chef" and noted the profound impact his death has had on the family.
Alexandros De Naray, Alexis's younger brother, shared his memories:
"My best friend", "a very charitable character" and "extremely funny and outgoing."
Details from the Court
The judge highlighted that Rowson "lied to emergency services and you lied to police at the scene."
He further stated that Rowson initially offered De Naray "a place to stay, food, clothing and company" but instead "left him to die."
The judge added that Rowson was "spending as much as you possibly could" on the victim's bank card and that he "threw clothes away that you thought might implicate you."
Defence Statement and Sentencing
Defence counsel Michelle Heeley KC stated that Rowson expressed remorse and acknowledged that alcohol and drugs played a significant role in his actions.
She said Rowson "recognises the pain he has caused the family" and that he is now free from alcohol and drugs.
Rowson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 16 years, with 311 days deducted for time spent on remand.
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