Westcliff: Man sentenced for manslaughter of Dave Peck

A man who admitted killing Dave Peck with a crossbow at a pub in Westcliff just before Christmas last year has been sentenced following work by specialist detectives.

Forty-four year-old Alfred Turner left his home in Station Road, Westcliff at around 6.30pm on 23 December armed with a crossbow and made his way to the Lamb and Lion pub.

As he left his address he was seen by another man who asked him what he was holding, to which Turner replied “it’s a crossbow”.

CCTV from inside the Lamb and Lion showed Turner entering the pub from the door opposite the bar.

He then fired the crossbow and hit 51 year old Dave Peck who was sat on a bar stool opposite the door.

Dave was hit in the chest and as he fell to the floor, other people in the pub tried to help him. This was a random attack and Dave Peck was a stranger to Alfie Turner.

Having shot Dave, Turner left the pub an walked towards The Leas, discarding the reloaded crossbow, before continuing towards Pier Hill.

He was arrested less than 90 minutes after the incident and was later charged with murder.

Turner denied the charge, instead pleading guilty to a charge of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

At Basildon Crown Court today (Thursday 26 October ) he was given a life sentence with a section 45A hospital order.

This means he will be detained at a mental health facility and if fit will then be sent to prison.

He was given a determinate sentence of eight years and will then only be released upon a parole board decision.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, who led the investigation, said: “My thoughts, and those of my team are with Dave Peck’s family.

“He was dearly loved by those close to him and missed every day.

“Alfred Turner has now been held responsible for his actions .

“Nothing will bring Dave back but I hope the conclusion of this investigation will help his friends and family move forward.”