Man who hid in forests and caves after stabbing grandfather Simon Clark jailed for life

A man who went on the run after murdering a grandfather has been jailed for 24 years.

Simon Clark was killed in his caravan by his 54-year-old neighbour Steven Baxter following an altercation.

Swansea Crown Court heard Simon Clark had got into a fight with a man called Jeffrey Ward after a disagreement at Grove Caravan Park in Pendine in September last year.

Steven Baxter then stabbed Simon Clark in the chest with a knife - penetrating his heart.

Baxter claimed during his evidence he tried to break up as he did not want attention drawn to them as they had cannabis in their caravans.

After being found guilty of murder at Swansea Crown Court, the judge told Baxter, "you were not seeking to defend yourself, you should never have picked up that knife....you and you alone are to blame for his (Simon Clark's) death."

On Monday, Jeffrey Ward, 40, who also lived at the caravan park, was found not guilty of murder.

Following the incident, Steven Baxter attempted to evade police by wearing wigs and hats to disguise his appearance.

After a month-long manhunt, Baxter was found hiding on Marros Beach in Carmarthenshire.

Police discovered he had been camping in caves and tents in forests and lived off whatever he could forage - eating seaweed, fish and mussels found on the beach.

Baxter initially denied murder and claimed self-defence - but a jury at Swansea Crown court convicted him by a majority verdict.

Julie Harris, Jeffrey Ward's partner was jailed for 14 months for perverting the course of justice.

Baxter was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 24 years.

After sentencing, Simon Clark’s mother, Meg read a statement saying the family grew up in New Zealand, and Mr Clark has three children - two sons and a daughter - to whom he was devoted.

She said she would speak to or text her son every day, and that “since his death my whole life has been torn apart”.

She added: “Simon was my rock.”

She said she misses his hugs and kisses “more than anyone will know”.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Jones said, “I am pleased to receive the verdict today that Baxter has been found guilty of murdering Simon Clark.

“It brings a lengthy and complex inquiry to a conclusion for the family and loved ones of Mr Clark and for Dyfed-Powys Police.

“I hope this verdict will demonstrate to them that justice has been served, and the sentence will be a deterrent to anyone thinking of carrying knives.

“I would like to thank the many police officers and members of staff who formed part of the investigation team, who worked long and hard to ensure a thorough case was put before the courts. I must also thank members of the public and the community of Pendine for their support and patience during the investigation.”