More than 18 years for man convicted of murder following in-depth police investigation

An investigation which began with a call to police reporting shouting and screaming in a Hugglescote park has ended with a man being jailed for life – with a minimum term of 18 years and six months.

Kyle Morley was convicted today (Tuesday 14 November) of killing David Bettison following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

At the start of the trial, he also pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent – after he attacked and knocked unconscious his ex-partner when finding the two victims alone together.

The initial 999 call was made to police just after 2am on Friday 24 February after a resident close to the park in Ashburton Road was woken by the sound of a woman in distress.

Officers responded and discovered Morley standing over the 23-year-old woman and Mr Bettison unresponsive nearby – both had significant facial injuries.

They immediately began CPR while urgent calls to the ambulance service were made. Extra police resource was also sent to the scene to begin an investigation and preserve evidence.

Morley, 30, of Ashby Road, Coalville, was quickly arrested and taken for questioning.

Mr Bettison, 43, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. The woman suffered severe bruising and swelling to her face as a result of the attack but was discharged from hospital after treatment.

Kyle Morley

Led by Detective Inspector Mark Parish from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) murder investigation team, specially trained officers began piecing together the events of the night.

Across the next three days they worked tirelessly – interviewing Morley, taking statements from witnesses, reviewing hours of CCTV footage, analysing phone data and examining the scene.

A family liaison officer was also deployed to support Mr Bettison’s family and have remained as their dedicated contact throughout the whole process.  

Through their efforts, the investigation team were able to establish Morley, Mr Bettison and others had been out drinking together in several pubs in Hugglescote and Coalville.

Shortly before 1am, Morley’s ex-partner arrived in Hugglescote and the pair had been arguing and fighting.

For nearly an hour, along with Mr Bettison, the three were in the area of Crescent Road and Fairfield Road before the two victims headed into the park at around 1.45am.

A few minutes later Morley walks in the same direction. He is known to be in the park for around 10 minutes briefly leaving the park and then returning minutes later. 

Police arrived at the scene at 2.15am and found Morley and the two injured victims.

During the investigation officers also recovered a voicemail left accidentally by Morley at 1.52am while carrying out the attack.

DI Parish said: “When discovering the two victims together Morley punched his ex-partner in the face, knocking her to the floor, before carrying out a sustained attack on Mr Bettison. Unfortunately, his injuries were so severe he never regained conscious and died at the scene.

“In the initial few days officers worked around the clock to gather as much information and evidence as possible in order to be able to charge Morley with both offences.

“Since this time our work to build a strong a case as possible has continued and I am pleased that the strength of the investigation has helped to secure a conviction at court.

“At the heart of this investigation is a family who continue to grieve the loss of a loved one and a victim who is still dealing with the trauma of the events of that night.

“My thoughts remain with those affected by the actions of Morley and I hope they can now take steps to move forward knowing the man responsible faces many years in prison.”