TERRY OLDHAM BRUTALLY MURDERED IN CAMBORNE BY FALMOUTH GANG

In a chilling case that has shocked the community of Camborne, Cornwall, three individuals have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of their housemate, Terry Oldham, aged 63. The heinous attack involved the use of a broom handle to inflict severe internal injuries, and the victim was subjected to a series of horrifying assaults that culminated in his tragic death.

On April 1, 2014, Mr. Oldham's lifeless body was discovered at his residence on Dolcoath Road, covered with extensive injuries that painted a grim picture of the violence he endured. The post-mortem report detailed injuries including the worst kind of internal infection, deep bruising to his sexual organs and thighs, four fractured ribs, and broken fingers. The injuries indicated a prolonged period of abuse and assault, with evidence suggesting he was repeatedly attacked over time.

The court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern of bullying and cruelty inflicted upon Mr. Oldham by his three housemates—Aaron Mallon, Michelle Casterton, and Daniel Quinn—who all hailed from Falmouth. Witnesses testified that the trio acted with animalistic brutality, urinating on him, force-feeding him dog feces, preventing him from accessing the toilet, and stealing his money and possessions. The defendants considered Mr. Oldham 'fair game' after discovering he had a history of indecently assaulting a girl under 14 in 1987, which led to his being under a sexual offences prevention order.

During the trial at Truro Crown Court, the jury found Mallon, Casterton, and Quinn guilty of murder and of allowing the death of a vulnerable adult. The court also examined the case of Richard Rosevear, a schizophrenic heroin user, who was acquitted of any involvement in the murder due to insufficient evidence. Judge Graham Cottle emphasized the cruelty of the defendants' actions, noting that after Mr. Oldham’s death, they laughed about their crimes as if they had no remorse. Mallon was recorded saying, “ding dong the nonce is dead,” reflecting their callous attitude.

Despite Mallon’s initial remorse and his police statement claiming Mr. Oldham had been like a father to him, the court was told that Mallon’s role in the attack was the most significant. The judge described Mr. Oldham’s injuries as “brutally and horrifyingly attacked,” and expressed satisfaction that the evidence clearly pointed to the defendants’ vicious assault. Mallon, Casterton, and Quinn received sentences of 25, 22, and 24 years respectively, with Mallon facing a minimum of 25 years before parole eligibility.

Earlier reports from October 2015 detailed the gruesome nature of the murder, including the fact that the perpetrators had moved into Mr. Oldham’s home after deciding his past made him “fair game.” The police investigation was triggered when paramedics found his battered body, which showed signs of extensive bruising and internal injuries caused by the broom handle. The post-mortem confirmed that the assault had caused internal injuries leading to poisoning and organ failure. The court heard that Mr. Oldham had a history of indecent assault on a young girl in 1987 and was under a sexual offences prevention order at the time of his death.

Throughout the trial, the court was shown evidence of numerous injuries across Mr. Oldham’s head, chest, abdomen, hands, arms, and legs, indicating repeated assaults over time. Despite the obvious signs of his suffering and the severity of his injuries, none of the defendants took any action to assist him, even though it was clear he was gravely ill. The case has left a lasting scar on the community of Camborne, highlighting the tragic consequences of cruelty and neglect.