Two men sentenced over WA grandfather’s murder
Two men have been sentenced for the brutal murder of a 68-year-old Greenbushes man; Three men conspired to steal from him before brutally murdering him and dumping his body in woodland, a court heard.
Raymond Smith was found by police near his home in December 2023, a month after he went missing.
He was described by fellow antique collectors as “one of the nicest guys” and a “lovely guy”.
Paul Douglas May and James Terence Hunt were found guilty by a jury earlier this year. The third person involved in the murder, Kevin Allan Craig Potter, initially pleaded guilty and has already been sentenced for his role in the crime.
May and Hunt were sentenced in the High Court on Friday.
The court heard the trio planned to talk their way into his home and then steal from him to fund his drug habit. Their goal was to take valuables and marijuana from Smith, but the break-in turned violent after he took methamphetamine.
While Potter posed as a “lone, friendly visitor” to gain Smith’s trust and gain access to his home, they took home two rifles, gloves to cover their faces and other items.
The other two men then went to the back door of his home and warned Smith, who grabbed a baseball bat to defend himself.
Hunt entered the house, grabbed the bat and dragged Smith by the hair to the bathroom, where he bound her hands with plastic wrap.
May then struck him twice in the legs with the stick, and May “striked him three times in the chest or neck with violent force”.
May and Potter then went to the bedroom to find a safe and searched it, taking two items thought to be valuable.
Then they left and walked away; Court hearing that Smith was either “dead or dying” at the time.
Over the next two days, May or Hunt attempted to use Smith’s debit card to get takeout before returning to Smith’s home and carrying his body.
Both denied the accusation.
“Lack of honor among thieves is the least of anyone’s concerns,” said Supreme Court Justice Amanda Forrester.
When police began asking questions, all three men denied involvement.
Forrester called their actions “unprovoked, gratuitous, cruel and senseless” and said they were “selfishly motivated by greed and the desire to feed.” [their] meth habits”.
He said May and Hunt showed no remorse and were merely trying to avoid responsibility.
Smith’s daughter gave an impassioned victim impact statement to the court, telling the court that Smith was a loving father and grandfather.
She said he was a trustworthy and kind person who always offered to help those in need.
Hunt was sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of at least 21 years. May was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
