Man sentenced to life imprisonment for Gwersyllt murder

A man who murdered his friend has been sentenced to life imprisonment at Mold Crown Court.

Matthew Hardy, 37, had been living at 52-year-old Antony Derwent’s flat for a few months before the murder, having known each other for several years.

They had been drinking together on 6 April 2024 and were at the flat in Gwersyllt, near Wrexham. 

At approximately 5:30am the morning after, paramedics arrived at the flat and found Mr Derwent lying on the floor. He had suffered severe facial and head injuries which proved fatal. 

Matthew Hardy told police that another man had been there and attacked Mr Derwent, maintaining that explanation at his trial. However, having heard all the evidence in the case, the jury convicted Hardy of murder.

Andrew Slight of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Matthew Hardy killed a man who trusted him in a sustained and brutal attack.

“The injuries inflicted by Hardy indicated an extreme level of violence.

“The evidence presented by the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as the investigation by North Wales Police, resulted in this conviction, bringing Antony’s killer to justice.

“Our thoughts remain with Antony’s family and friends over their tragic loss.”

Matthew Hardy was sentenced on 4 April 2025 to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 21 years before he can be considered for release.