Two Plymouth Men have been jailed for life following the murder of Tanis Bhandari during New Year celebrations in Tamerton Foliot .
Donald Pemberton, aged 21 from St Budeaux, Plymouth, was convicted of murder yesterday. Ryan Williams, aged 22 and also from St Budeaux, Plymouth, changed his plea to guilty of murder during the trial.
Pemberton and Williams have been jailed for life with a minimum of 23 years.
Detective Inspector Ian Ringrose from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team said: “We welcome the guilty verdict which will see both Donald Pemberton and Ryan Williams serve life sentences for the murder of Tanis Bhandari.
“Both men have not only been convicted of Tanis’ murder, but also for assaults on Jamie Healy, Sean Cordon, George Walker and Matthew Daw.
“This was a senseless, unprovoked and horrific attack on a group of friends celebrating the New Year. Tanis Bhandari lost his life at the age of 27 years and the attack has had a profound impact on the victims, their families, friends and the community.”
Det Insp Ringrose added: “The Major Crime Investigation Team conducted a thorough investigation into the tragic events that night. However, the result would not have been possible without the actions of officers who attended the incident on the night and support of the community, in particular the very close community of Tamerton Foliot.
“I would like to thank everyone who assisted the investigation and who have supported police throughout.
“Tanis’ family, the victims who survived, their family, friends and the community have acted with dignity throughout this ordeal. I hope that the outcome today will allow everyone who has been affected to gain some kind of closure and help recover from this traumatic crime.”
