TWO brothers have been convicted of murder after a man was beaten to death - and another left badly injured - in a ‘horrific’ alcohol-fuelled attack last year.
At around 8am on October 12, passers-by spotted a man climbing out of a ground floor window of a house on Pindar Oaks Cottages.
The man, Alexandru Rizea, 45, was badly beaten and pleading for passing drivers to call the police.
He repeatedly said that he needed to save his brother, Catalin, who was still inside the property.
Onlookers called emergency services and Alexandru was taken to hospital by a passer-by, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries which included a severe head trauma.
When police arrived at the scene they found the front door covered in blood.
Inside the property Gabriel Andrei, 41, and Florin Andrei, 45, were attempting to clean blood stains, according to the police.
Officers also found Catalin, 43, slumped in a chair, breathing heavily, with a black coat over his face.
Catalin was rushed to hospital as his brother but died two days later as a result of catastrophic brain injuries.
The Andrei brothers were arrested on suspicion of Catalin’s murder and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following the attack on Alexandru.
Sam Green QC, prosecuting, claimed the Rizeas had visited the Andreis because of a work connection and had been drinking vodka at the property overnight during October 11 and 12 before the attack.
Both were found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday following the conclusion of their three-week trial.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Palmer said: “I was relieved to see a guilty verdict being reached and these two men will face justice for their horrific attack.
“Although nothing will bring Catalin back, I hope this result can help provide closure to his family, who must now face life without him.
“I would like to applaud Alexandru for his bravery.
“Despite his traumatic injuries, he still did everything he could to save his brother.
“I would also like to commend the quick-thinking member of the public who took him to hospital - she almost certainly saved his life.”
Catalin’s sister, Andreaa released a statement following the verdict.
“My family would like to thank South Yorkshire Police for their due diligence, professionalism and all the hard work and support that has gone into our family’s case.
“There is no treatment in this world that will cure the pain we are feeling and no words to describe the grief we are experiencing.”
The brothers were sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 23 years at Sheffield Crown Court, on Thursday.
