Tribute paid to Pool murder victim Peter Oates

THE FAMILY of a Pool man killed following a violent attack at his home have paid tribute to a "generous and kind-hearted man".

On Friday last week Somes McFarland, 28, was found guilty of murdering Peter Oates, 51, following a week-long trial.

Both men lived at the Henley House hostel at Fore Street in Pool when the violence took place on March 25.

The family said: "Peter was a loving son, brother, uncle and nephew who is sadly missed by all his family and many friends.

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"He was well loved by everyone who knew him; he was friendly and took care of both his family and friend.

"He was a generous man, kind-hearted and although he had problems in his life he always remained cheerful and positive.

"He loved going to the beach and in the past enjoyed keeping birds in his aviary.

"He was very protective of Rose, his mother, and took care of her.

"Everybody loved Peter and he was well known in Pool where he lived before he died.

"We still find it hard to believe that Peter is no longer with us and find it difficult to comprehend the tragic circumstances in which he died."

The family said they were pleased that justice had been done.

After just under seven hours of deliberating the jury found him guilty of murder with an 11-1 majority.

The court had heard Mr Oates, an alcoholic, suffered 19 fractures of the ribs and injuries to his head and neck when McFarland battered him in his room using his hands and feet.

McFarland's defence team had argued he was drunk at the time of the assault and therefore had no memory of his actions.

Mr Justice Burnett remanded McFarland in custody until December 21 when he will return for sentence.