Swansea man found guilty of murder of 71-year-old neighbour jailed for life

A man from Swansea who was found guilty of the murder of his 71-year-old neighbour has been jailed for life.

Brian Whitelock, 57, from Clydach, killed Wendy Buckney at her flat in August 2022, before denying murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

However, in November he was found guilty of murder. He has today been handed a whole-life tariff – meaning he will never walk free.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Davies said: “We are pleased that Brian Whitelock has been given a full-life tariff, which is a fitting sentence due to the countless lives that have been destroyed because of his actions.

“Despite his past, Brian Whitelock received nothing but kindness from his neighbour Wendy Buckney. He repaid this kindness by carrying out her senseless murder.

“The level of violence Brian Whitelock enacted upon his defenceless victim was sickening.

“Defending himself in court, Brian Whitelock’s aim was to distance himself from his actions, but the reality is that he was well-aware what he was doing.

“Wendy Buckney’s family has been through an unimaginable amount of pain and heartbreak because of the actions of Brian Whitelock. I hope, because of today’s sentencing, that they can finally feel closure, and can begin grieving the loss of Wendy.”