The two men found guilty of the murder of Ben Neilson in Ashford appeared before Maidstone Crown Court today - Friday 27th November - to be sentenced. Zion Covey, of Lynsted Close, Ashford, must serve a minimum of 13 years in prison, while Gareth Powell, of Bensted South, Ashford was given a minimum sentence of 12 years.

Ben Neilson was assaulted in the early hours of Tuesday 21 April in High Street, Ashford and died on the evening of Monday 27 April.

The two men were found guilty of Mr Neilson's murder by majority verdict of the jury at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday.

Ben was described by his family as: "a loving and much-loved son, brother and friend to so many".

Kent Police's area commander for South Kent, Chief Superintendent Chris Hogben said: "Ben Neilson was a thoroughly decent lad, progressing well at university, a young man with real potential, who would undoubtedly have gone on to make a real contribution to society. This is in complete contrast to the drunken, violent thugs who took his life in this tragic incident."

Chief Superintendent Hogben continued, "Covey and Powell had been drinking throughout the afternoon of Monday 20 April. Witnesses describe their aggressive behaviour leading up to this incident. They were clearly looking to instigate a violent confrontation.

"This was a brutal and, in my view, cowardly attack on Ben Neilson who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time".