Man jailed after father-of-two dies while on holiday in Turkey

A man has been jailed for a minimum of 14 years for the murder of a father-of-two who died in Turkey after being assaulted in a Blackpool pub, said police.

Simon Marx, 42, was physically sick shortly after he arrived in the coastal resort of Fethiye in the early hours of October 8, and then fell asleep as his girlfriend, Louise Darnbrough, placed him on his side.

When his partner awoke at 7am, she found him cold and blue in colour and raised the alarm, but Mr Marx had died overnight.

Last month, Steven Lane, 30, of Fulwood, Preston, was found guilty at Preston Crown Court of the murder of Mr Marx, who was attacked in the Newton Arms at about 12.20am on October 7.

Lane, of Shalgrove Field, Fulwood, was also convicted of wounding with intent after Rick Alston, a friend of Mr Marx, sustained a laceration to his head.

Co-defendant David Easter, 54, from Blackpool, was found not guilty of murder.

Lane stamped on Mr Marx while he was unconscious on the floor in an attack which followed a verbal altercation.

A post-mortem examination showed Mr Marx died from a blunt force head trauma.

Speaking on Tuesday after the life sentence was imposed, Detective Chief Inspector, Gareth Willis of Blackpool Police, said: “Lane carried out a brutal attack on Simon, stamping on his head as he lay on the ground completely defenceless.

“His reckless and cowardly behaviour resulted in Simon being taken from his family in the most horrendous way.

“This has been a complex investigation and a traumatic time for Simon’s family who have been incredibly dignified and brave throughout the whole process. I welcome today’s sentence but my thoughts remain with them. ”

In a tribute, Mr Marx’s mother Carol Marx, sister Clare Collins and fiancee Miss Darnbrough said: “Simon was a much loved dad, son, uncle, fiance and friend. Nicknamed by his friends as Smiler, he lit up a room with his smile and truly lived and loved life to the full.”