‘Despicable’ killer exploited frail man before brutal murder in Highland village

‘Despicable’ Killer Exploited Frail Man Before Brutal Murder in Highland Village

A man who was accused of holding a vulnerable victim in servitude before he was condemned to an agonising death was facing a life sentence today for his murder. Michael Joyce, 33, attacked Michael White at the home he shared in a Highland village with his partner, mother-of-four Antonia Gunn, after exploiting the frail victim. Mr White, 61, was at their address in Plock Road, Kyle of Lochalsh, when he sustained fractured ribs and internal injuries during a fatal assault. Gunn and Joyce denied murdering him by repeatedly striking him and inflicting blunt force trauma injuries to his head and body on April 22 or 23 last year. Joyce was convicted of the murder and his partner Gunn was acquitted of the charge on a unanimous not proven verdict.

The court heard that prior to his death, Department of Work and Pensions benefit payments into Mr White’s bank account saw money then being regularly transferred into the account of Joyce. Other sums of money were withdrawn through cash points. Mr White had also contacted friends and acquaintances seeking financial help. The post mortem revealed that he had sustained fresh fractures to his ribs, internal injuries including tears to his bowel and liver, and signs of older rib fractures. He was emaciated and very thin, and peritonitis had also set in, causing extreme pain.

During the trial, jurors were shown distressing video footage featuring the half-naked, emaciated body of Mr White slumped in a shower. Gunn testified that she witnessed Joyce assaulting Mr White, inflicting significant blunt force trauma to the abdomen which ultimately caused his death. She mentioned that she had sustained abuse from Joyce herself. Gunn also admitted that she did not agree with the violence but felt powerless to intervene due to potential repercussions.

Joyce did not give evidence in his own defense, but the court heard about their alleged exploitation of Mr White, including instructing him to transfer money, drive them to appointments, and request money from family and friends. The pair had originally faced charges related to human trafficking and exploitation, but these were withdrawn during the trial. Joyce will be sentenced on December 5, 2024, at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Detective Inspector Richard Baird, of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, expressed condemnation for Joyce’s actions, calling them utterly abhorrent. He highlighted the deception that occurred after Mr White’s death and welcomed the conviction, emphasizing that Joyce will now face the consequences of his actions.

In a tragic and disturbing case, the exploitation and subsequent murder of Michael White reveal the depths of depravity to which individuals can stoop. The manipulation and abuse suffered by Mr White at the hands of Joyce shed light on the importance of recognizing and addressing instances of vulnerability and exploitation in our communities. May justice be served for the victim and his loved ones as they navigate through the aftermath of this heinous crime.