NSW: Jail for man who shot grandfather dead in backyard

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2007
NSW: Jail for man who shot grandfather dead in backyard

SYDNEY, Aug 24 AAP - A 23-year-old Sydney man who killed his grandfather in a backyard,
execution-style murder will serve up to 20 years in jail.

The NSW Supreme Court heard today that Ernest Richard (Dick) Clark, a Granville shop
owner, lay unconscious in his backyard for almost two hours before being found covered
in blood by his partner.

He was rushed to hospital where he died the following day.

Ben Richard Clark, the man's grandson, subsequently pleaded guilty to his murder.

The court was told that after spending the evening watching football and drinking beer
together on April 29, 2005, Ben Clark walked with his grandfather into the backyard of
the 74-year-old's Bexley home, where he shot him twice.

Clark alleged he had been the victim of verbal, physical and sexual abuse at the hands
of his grandfather and that he killed him when he "couldn't take it anymore".

During today's sentencing, Acting Judge David Patten said he did not accept the claims
of sexual abuse, conceding only that Clark may have endured verbal taunts and the odd
"push".

"The offender shot and killed in a style of an execution without rational explanation
in a cold-blooded, callous and merciless manner," Judge Patten said.

"If it were not for his age, a sentence of life would have to be considered."

Judge Patten said the community expected suitably strong punishment for the act which
showed "a very high degree of criminality".

Clark was sentenced to 20 years' jail with a non-parole period of 14 years.

With time already served, Clark will be eligible for parole on July 13, 2019 at the earliest.

Clark's father, Michael Rex Clark - the victim's son - is expected to face trial early
next year for his involvement in the killing.

AAP ad/was/sp

KEYWORD: CLARK

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.