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'Help catch the men who killed my Lee'

Martin Dillon
25/10/2004

A MUM is pleading with witnesses to her son's brutal murder to break the conspiracy of silence around his killing.

Irene Martin's soldier son Lee was punched and kicked to death after a minor argument inside a fast food shop in Chorlton, Manchester last April.

A 25-year-old man from Manchester has been sentenced to five years in jail after he admitted manslaughter at Manchester Crown Court.

But the two men who savagely kicked 22-year-old Lee as he lay helpless on the ground are still free.

His heartbroken mum, Irene, 49, from Chorlton, said: "There are people out there who witnessed what happened to my son, but they are being intimidated.

"They are scared, but they should realise they will be protected and the people who murdered my son will be put away.

"They should pluck up the courage and search their consciences, because these people could do the same again." Lee, a soldier with the 1st Kings Regiment based at Catterick, was on leave before a tour of duty to the Falkland Islands when he visited the takeaway with a friend.

Also in the fast food shop was Dumaine Lander, 25, and his girlfriend. Lander took offence at something Lee said and then told two friends outside in Wilbraham Road he had been insulted.

All three of them attacked Lee outside the shop, with the other two men punching him to the ground and kicking him.

Lander, of Worsley Street, Manchester, refused to speak during police interviews and has never revealed the names of the killers, claiming he is afraid of reprisals.

A '10,000 reward remains on offer for their conviction.

Lander received a five-year jail term after pleading guilty to manslaughter at Manchester Crown Court.

Lee's mum Irene added: "I've seen the video footage from the takeaway and it wasn't even an argument. I was physically ill having to sit in court and listen to what they did to him. It was horrific."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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