Seven in custody over Sutton Halloween murder (From Sutton Guardian)

Seven in custody over Sutton Halloween murder

10:50am Tuesday 3rd November 2009

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Five men and two women remain in custody after a man died following a beating by yobs who stole his girlfriend’s Halloween hat.

Ben Gardner, 30, had left a Halloween party with girlfriend Allanna Devine, 28, from Morden, and was walking her home at about 3.30am on Sunday when a group of yobs took her witch’s hat from her head.

Mr Gardner asked for the hat back, but was punched and kicked to the ground, where he was left unconscious.

Miss Devine was also punched by the gang.

Police officers and London Ambulance Service were called to Throwley Way, Sutton at 3.34am, but Mr Gardner died later that day from severe head injuries at St Helier hospital.

Two men aged 20, two aged 25 and a 21-year-old, and two women, aged 26 and 25, were arrested in connection with the murder and remain in custody at various south London police stations.

The Sutton spreadsheet developer, who worked for Legal & General, was described by best friend Will Fearnley-Whittingstall, 30, from Farnborough, as a “happy-go-lucky” man who was “always smiling.”

The cousin of TV chef Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall knew Mr Gardner for 25 years. He described the attack as “senseless”.

He said: “He was best man at my wedding.

"He was like a brother to me. We grew up together as neighbours and used to ride bikes together in the park.”

“His girlfriend was wearing a wig and a costume and as they were walking towards the police station she was accosted by a group of lads who stopped her and tried to take her wig off.

"Ben tried to intervene and help her, but he was punched once and fell to the ground, then he was kicked and punched more.”

“He died at 8pm. I was there and he never regained consciousness.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses and information following the murder.

A post mortem examination is due to take place.

Detective Inspector Bob Campany said: "Although it was 3.30am there were a lot of people in the area at the time of the incident as the local clubs were closing.

"We would like any information from witnesses who may have been on Throwley Way at the time.

"This appears to be a violent unprovoked attack on an innocent man who was out enjoying Halloween night with his girlfriend."

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4005 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

• Did you know Ben Gardner? Let us know by email here, phone the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555 or leave a comment below.

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