Chilling CCTV captures moments leading up to Wendy Buckney's brutal murder
by Jason Evans · Wales OnlineThis is one of the last times Wendy Buckney was seen alive before being brutally and sadistically murdered by someone she trusted. The 71-year-old went shopping at Home Bargains and the Co-op before returning to her flat in Clydach early on the evening of August 22, 2022.
Just half an hour after Miss Buckney arrived home, her neighbour Brian Whitelock arrived at her flat on Tanycoed. Retired horsewoman Miss Buckney trusted Whitelock and found him odd jobs to do around the garden and in her home.
She knew he had previously been in prison for something and her sister had raised concerns about the defendant being around her sibling. Miss Buckney had said: "Everyone deserves a second chance." In fact Whitelock had served 18 years in prison for murder and was out on licence.
In 2000 he had beaten a man to death with a hammer at a house in the Blaenymaes area of Swansea then doused his victim in petrol and set fire to the body to cover his tracks before blaming his brother for the death. HIs brother died in the blaze Whitelock started.
After going into Miss Buckney's flat Whitelock subjected his neighbour to a ferocious attack with a knife, a table leg, and wooden shelves. Miss Buckney was found the following day laying face down in her living room - she was naked and covered in blood and had so many injuries to her head, limbs and body it was impossible to accurately count them all.
Whitelock subsequently pleaded not guilty to murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility saying he could not remember what happened in the flat after suffering a brain injury in a fall while out fishing. A jury at Swansea Crown Court took less than half a hour to find him guilty. For the latest court reports, sign up to our crime newsletter here
In a statement released after the conviction the family of Miss Buckney said they would "continue to honour her memory every day". They said: "Today’s verdict brings some measure of justice for Wendy who was taken from us far too soon.
"While nothing can bring her back, we are grateful that the truth has been heard. Wendy was a very much loved sister and aunty whose kindness, laughter, and spirit touched the lives of so many. Our lives will never be the same without her, but we will continue to honour her memory every day.
"This has been a painful and heart-breaking journey for our family. We thank everyone who has supported us during this incredibly difficult time, and we ask for privacy as we continue to grieve and heal in the wake of this tragedy. We would also like to thank the prosecution team who worked tirelessly to bring the truth to light. Their dedication and commitment has helped us during this incredibly difficult time."
Join the WalesOnline WhatsApp community
WalesOnline has launched a new breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community. From the biggest court stories to the latest traffic updates, weather warnings and breaking news, it's a simple way to stay up to date with what's happening in Wales.
Want to join? All you have to do is click on this link, select 'Join Community' and you're in. We will not spam your feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily.
If for some reason you decide you no longer want to be in our community, you can leave by clicking on the name at the top of your screen and clicking 'Exit Group'. We occasionally treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can read our Privacy Notice here.
Join our WhatsApp community here