Former boxer jailed for life after savage screwdriver attack on Chesterfield dad outside Crooked Spire

Melusi Madaweni was found guilty of murder last Wednesday (February 15) following a trial at Derby Crown Court.

Officers were called at 12.55am on Sunday, August 7 2022 by town centre CCTV operators to reports of a man in the town centre wearing just trousers and a face covering.

During the trial it was heard how they had been alerted by staff at a bar nearby who had refused him entry due to concerns he may have been carrying a screwdriver.

Four minutes later, Madaweni of Chester Street, was stopped by officers running near the Crooked Spire. The 30-year-old, who was 29 at the time, told police that someone had tried to attack him, and that he had taken the screwdriver from them.

Billy Pearson was then discovered in the church yard. He was unconscious and had suffered a deep wound to the back of his ear.

A balaclava and a screwdriver were found by officers just a few yards away and Madaweni was arrested.

Billy, who was 26-years-old, died almost a week later in hospital. The wound was so deep it had penetrated his brain and was too severe for him to recover.

Billy used to work on construction sites and played football for Holmewood Park Rangers. He leaves his three-year-old daughter Sapphire.

Madaweni denied murder, but he was jailed for life today – and was told he must serve a minimum of 25 years.

READ THIS: Pink Floyd's poster for the great gig in Chesterfield is snapped up by overseas private collector

Detective Inspector Steve Shaw led the investigation into Billy’s death. Speaking after Madaweni’s conviction last week he said: “This was a tragic loss of life; Billy Pearson had been doing what many people do and been for an evening out socialising with his friends.

“At the end of the night, Billy had a chance encounter with Melusi Madaweni, an argument occurred, and a small fight broke out. That should have been the end of it.

“Madaweni though chose to go home, arm himself with two screwdrivers and returned to the town centre with the intent to seek out Mr Pearson and cause him serious harm. It shows how a simple tool can be used as a fatal weapon.”

DI Shaw added: “As always, a guilty verdict can never bring a loved one back, but I do hope it goes a little way towards providing some justice for Billy’s family and friends.”