Double heartbreak of tragic Stuart's family

Victim's brother also lost son to murder – and killer has never been caught

- ANDREW BARDSLEY

THEY are a family who have already experienced unimaginable grief.

When Richard Ziemacki discovered his brother had been murdered in unspeakable circumstances, it brought back haunting memories.

The killing of Stuart Everett, born Roman Ziemacki and known fondly as Benny, was not the first close relative he has lost to murder. His son, also named Richard, was killed in 2011.

Richard Jnr died aged 29, after being attacked in Derby city centre in the early hours of a Sunday. His killer has never been brought to justice. So when his brother's killer was convicted of murder, Richard Snr could be forgiven for letting out some emotion.

"Justice for Benny," Richard said outside Manchester Crown Court, the courthouse where grisly, nightmarish details of his brother's last moments were disclosed in unflinching detail.

"Benny's death brought back dark memories of losing our son Richard aged 29 in tragic circumstances in 2011," Richard said in a statement read out on his behalf at the sentencing of Marcin Majerkiewicz, Stuart's killer.

"The trauma of what has happened to my dearly beloved brother has affected me personally beyond all comprehension."

He added: "We never got justice for our son which has haunted us for over 10 years - and here we are again."

Before Majerkiewicz, 42, was ordered to serve a minimum of 34 years in jail, Richard added: "My only hope is that justice is served for my harmless, caring, loving brother."

It was weeks after Stuart had died that Richard even learned of his murder. The pair had spent a week together in Derby in March last year, where Richard lived and Stuart would often visit.

They shared a love for horse racing, and watched the Cheltenham Festival on TV together. Stuart, 67, was murdered on March 27 or 28 after returning to his home on Worsley Road in Winton, Eccles.