Fulwood man guilty of murdering man who died after pub attack

A man who struck a man who later died from his injuries while on holiday in Turkey has been found guilty of murder.

Steven Lane attacked Simon Marx in the Newton Arms in Staining around 12.20am on October 7.

Mr Marx, 42, travelled to Fethiye, Turkey, with his fiancee, despite his injuries.

He died on October 8 and a post-mortem showed he died from a blunt force head trauma.

Lane, 30, of Shalgrove Field, Fulwood, was convicted after a four-week trial at Preston Crown Court.

He was also convicted of wounding with intent after Rick Alston, a friend of Simon Marx’s, sustained a laceration to his head.

A 54-year-old man from Blackpool who was also arrested and charged with murder was found not guilty.

What the police said

Detective Chief Inspector, Gareth Willis of Blackpool Police, said: “Simon was out drinking with friends when he was subjected to a brutal attack following a verbal altercation. He was punched and his head was stamped on while he lay unconscious.

“He was on holiday with his fiancée Louise when he was taken ill following the altercation the previous night. This should have been a time of celebration, with Simon’s birthday being just two days later. Nobody expects to go on holiday, and not return home. These are such tragic circumstances and understandably this has been an incredibly difficult time for his family.

“I hope today’s conviction will bring them some justice and allow them to move forward.”

Family pay tribute to Simon Marx

His mother Carol, his sister Clare Collins and his fiancee Louise Darnbrough released the following statement:

“Simon was a much loved dad, son, uncle, fiancé 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.

“He was a hard-working family man who would go out of his way to help anybody. His friends and family – especially his two children, were his world.

“Outside of work his passion was motorbikes, getting his first bike at just 17. When he was younger, he loved nothing more than going to Devil’s Bridge with his mates.

“We miss everything about Simon – his wicked sense of humour, famous lack of punctuality, kind nature and his hugs which were just the best.

“Simon has left a huge dent in a lot of people’s lives and we now need to try and find a new normal without him.

“We’d like to thank the police for their support and dedication. They have been absolutely brilliant throughout the whole process. We now ask for privacy as we come to terms with our loss and finally have the time to grieve.”

Lane will be sentenced on Friday 2 November.