Phuket court gives 'Pitbull' Lee Aldhouse 25 years

[webfact]

Phuket court gives 'Pitbull' 25 years

File photo: Aldhouse returns to Phuket after his extradition from the UK.

PHUKET: -- British kick boxer Lee 'Pitbull' Aldhouse was this morning sentenced to 25 years in jail for the murder of American Marine Dashawn Longfellow .

Both sides in the case - defence and prosecution - have one month to appeal against the sentence as being either too long or too short.

Aldhouse fatally stabbed Mr Longfellow outside the victim’s Rawai home on August 14, 2010, after the to had been involved in a punch-up in a bar, which Aldhouse lost.

After the murder Aldhouse fled the country to his native England, where he was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

Thailand applied for his extradition which, after more than two years of hearings and appeal, was granted by a British court, on condition that Aldhouse would not face the death penalty.

He arrived back in Phuket on December 1 last year.

Initially, Aldhouse denied murdering Mr Longfellow but at a hearing on August 28, he changed his plea to guilty, and apologised to Mr Longfellow’s family.

This allowed the judge in the case to apply the standard halving of sentence for those who are believed to genuinely enter a plea of “guilty”.

In this case, the life sentence Aldhouse was facing was reduced to 25 years.

Aldhouse's lawyer said that there were no plans at the moment to appeal against the sentence or to make a court bid to allow him to serve out his sentence in the UK.

"He says he has plenty of things to do in the prison here," the lawyer said.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-court-gives-pitbull-25-years-43115.php


-- Phuket News 2013-11-28

[cornishcarlos]

He should be more Poodle than Pitbull after a 25yr stretch....

That should keep everyone involved happy !

[jdinasia]

Where's his perp-walk picture?

[laurentbkk]

too bad he was not a rich HISO Thai he could have fled to singapore ......anyway on the other hand , he will have time to think in jail ....

[webfact]

British kickboxer gets 25 years for US Marine murder

BANGKOK, November 28, 2013 (AFP) - A Thai court sentenced a British kickboxer to 25 years in prison Thursday for the murder of a former US Marine following a bar fight on the island of Phuket.

Lee Aldhouse's sentence was reduced from life imprisonment because he pleaded guilty to stabbing to death 23-year-old Dashawn Longfellow in 2010.

The victim was in Thailand after sustaining a combat injury in Afghanistan.

Aldhouse, known in Phuket by his ring name "The Pitbull", fled to his home country after the incident and become the first British suspect to be extradited to Thailand under a century-old treaty.

"The court originally handed him a life sentence but because he confessed it was reduced to 25 years," his laywer Kampon Siriwatunyoo told AFP after the ruling in Phuket.

He said Aldhouse was considering whether to appeal.

"He prefers to be in a Thai jail rather than serve his sentence in Britain because he said there is a royal pardon one or twice a year here," Kampon added.

Under Thai murder laws, Aldhouse could have faced the death penalty.

Aldhouse fled to Britain after Longfellow was stabbed but was arrested upon arrival and detained for almost two years while he fought extradition to Thailand.

He lost his extradition battle and in December last year was sent to Thailand for trial.

He initially denied murder but later changed his plea.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2013-11-28

[webfact]

Brit kickboxer ‘Pitbull’ Aldhouse handed 25 years for Phuket murder
Phuket Gazette


British national Lee Aldhouse today was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for the stabbing murder of American Marine Dashawn Longfellow following a bar fight in Phuket in 2009. Photo: Gazette file

PHUKET: -- British national Lee Aldhouse today was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for the stabbing murder of American Marine Dashawn Longfellow following a bar fight in Phuket in 2009.

The sentence was handed down at Phuket Provincial Court this morning.

Mr Aldhouse, who entered a guilty plea on August 28 (story here), has one month to appeal the sentence.

The guilty plea was entered after Judge Montri Saroj, speaking via a court translator, reminded Aldhouse that a guilty plea would likely “help” commute a possible death sentence.

“The highest penalty for this charge is death. If you accept the charge before the witness testimony, your confession can help commute the death penalty,” Judge Montri said during the August 28 proceedings.

The court watched for 15 minutes as Aldhouse consulted with his lawyer, Public Prosecutor Tawan Sukyiran, and his translator before prosecutor Mr Tawan turned to the judge and said, “Mr Aldhouse enters a plea of guilty.”

Judge Montri asked to confirm with Aldhouse that the guilty plea was accurate, to which Aldhouse silently nodded.

Despite Aldhouse admitting to the crime, the trial continued as a formality.

Aldhouse, also known by his kickboxing nickname “The Pitbull”, fled Thailand on August 17, 2010, three days after the slaying of Mr Longfellow.

Accompanied by his girlfriend, he hired a taxi to take them to Koh Samui, but along the way decided to take a bus to Bangkok instead. They then made their way to the Klong Yai checkpoint at the Cambodian border.

Aldhouse was able to depart the country and enter Cambodia at the remote checkpoint, which at the time had no online connection with Thailand’s Immigration database.

Immigration Police only realized Aldhouse had slipped out of the country six hours after the fact.

The girlfriend, who may yet testify, returned to Bangkok by bus and was later picked up for questioning by police. She confessed to her role in aiding Aldhouse’s escape and told investigators of his plan to return to England.

However, British sources familiar with the case told the Phuket Gazette that Aldhouse had fled the UK years before, after serving two years in a Birmingham jail for his part in an armed robbery. He served two years of a five-year sentence for illegal gun possession, the source said.

He was arrested by British authorities upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, London.

Aldhouse is the first person to be extradited from the UK to Thailand since a treaty was signed between the countries more than 100 years ago.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Brit-kickboxer-Pitbull-Aldhouse-handed-25-years-for-Phuket-murder-22887.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-11-28

[Alexpho]

25 years for murder becuase your sorry azz lost a fist fight is not enough. Should have dropped him off in Afghanistan with the victim's platoon mates.

[cmiuc]

Quote: "He says he has plenty of things to do in the prison here," the lawyer said.

what's there to do here in prison that is interesting? I am confused about his agenda. BTW, he is not the same singer "Pitbull"(the white rap dude) is he?

[noikrit]

Funny how some get extradited back to Thailand and some don't ?????? Pitbulls in the dog house now !!!

[stevenl]

Quote: "He says he has plenty of things to do in the prison here," the lawyer said.

what's there to do here in prison that is interesting? I am confused about his agenda. BTW, he is not the same singer "Pitbull"(the white rap dude) is he?

When the publicity has died down he will ask to be allowed to spend his time in the UK, which will probably be granted. There the sentence will be reduced considerably.

[JoeThePoster]

"He says he has plenty of things to do in the prison here," the lawyer said.

Like being a trophy farang wife?

[A1Str8]

Ms Pitbull was a bit bitter after losing a fist fight against the marine at a bar. So he stabbed him. And he wants royal pardon? What a chick.

[ChangMaiSausage]

Lets hope he's kept in prison for the whole duration, he should have took the beating like a man rather than running off to find a weapon.

Better in Thailand than the five star prisons of the UK.

[andreandre]

Quote: "He says he has plenty of things to do in the prison here," the lawyer said.

what's there to do here in prison that is interesting? I am confused about his agenda. BTW, he is not the same singer "Pitbull"(the white rap dude) is he?

When the publicity has died down he will ask to be allowed to spend his time in the UK, which will probably be granted. There the sentence will be reduced considerably.

Unless you can state proven facts you should put at least..[iMO]..because this really is only your opinion..yes?

[ezzra]

He should have done his homework and find out which country doesn't have extradition

treaties with Thailand and go there until the case will be forgotten, but than again, he's

a fighter, not a thinker...

[Colabamumbai]

Forum readers I am not going to comment on the subject or the verdict, but wish to say in regards to it.

Please do not get drunk, get out of hand and get involved in an altercation that could lead to the death of or injuries to anyone, whether in a bar, or on the roads, Stay sober and think.

Christmas is coming.

[briboy]

well at least it is a step in the right direction even if it only brings back a bit of reality and helps some people think twice before they arm up

[chooka]

So he pleads guilty and as such his sentence will be halved 12.5 yrs. Good behaviour and he could be out in 5.

[harrycallahan]

With pardons works out to be about half that doesn't it? Could be a lot worse.

[webfact]

Victim’s sister laments 25-year sentence for Aldhouse Phuket murder
Phuket Gazette


Marquis Longfellow voiced disappointment in the 25-year sentence given to the man who murdered her brother American Marine Dashawn Longfellow (pictured). Photo: Facebook

PHUKET: -- The sister of American Marine Dashawn Longfellow today lamented the 25-year jail term handed down to her brother’s killer, British national Lee Aldhouse, saying that the sentence was not long enough.

Marquis Longfellow voiced her disappointment with the sentence less than an hour after Aldhouse was given the 25-year jail term today (story here).

“Lee took the life of our hero and because of his actions our family will never be able to see the light in my brother’s eyes or the smile on his face,” Ms Longfellow posted on the Dashawn Longfellow Memorial Facebook page (click here).

“Lee deserves to rot in hell. Don’t get me wrong 25 years is better than nothing, but it damn sure is not long enough for a man who intentionally took the life of an American hero for no other reason than a bruised ego,” she said.

“I hope that one day karma will catch up with him ten fold so he can have a little taste of the pain he has brought to our family,” she added.

Aldhouse has one month to appeal the sentence.

If his appeal fails, he will likely not serve his full term at the heavily overcrowded Phuket Prison, which is rated to detain convicts handed down jail terms of 15 years or less.

Most foreign convicts handed down sentences beyond 15 years tend to apply for transfers to Bangkok, where they will have closer contact with embassy officials.

Source: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket_news/2013/Victim-s-sister-laments-25-year-sentence-for-Aldhouse-Phuket-murder-22888.html


-- Phuket Gazette 2013-11-28

[phitsanulokjohn]

Bloody good job and all.He'll have a ringpiece the size of a volcano after them nice Thai boys have infiltrated it for 25 years.I think his new name will be Lee ''pampers'' shithouse.

[andreandre]

So he pleads guilty and as such his sentence will be halved 12.5 yrs. Good behaviour and he could be out in 5.

Didn't read the OP?

He has already pled guilty and has been sentenced already to 25 years...

He should/could have had the death penalty but because of his guitly plea got his half sentence..=25 years...no 12.5yrs involved

[terak]

Wonder what sort of Visa extension they give for that ?? Arrested by immigration on release ??

[AlphMichaels]

"Pitbull" Vs. Devil Dog. Ooh Rah. Unfortunate that Mr. Aldhouse couldn't take it like a man. Now he gets a much needed and well deserved 'cooling off' period. Cannot imagine why he would say he has plenty to do in jail. Are they going to let him fight there? If so, I hope he runs into a few Muay Thai and gets the drubbings he deserves.

[Jasun]

25 years doesn't sound long. He'll still be younger than most TV members when he get out.

[webfact]

Pitbull victim's family disappointed with Phuket sentence
Alasdair Forbes


Victim Dashawn Longfellow, from the RIP Dashawn DC Longfellow Facebook group.

PHUKET: -- The family of Dashawn Longfellow, stabbed to death three years ago by British kickboxer Lee “Pitbull” Aldhouse have descried the 25-year jail sentence imposed on Aldhouse today as “not enough”.

Commenting on the sentence in the RIP Dashawn DC Longfellow Facebook group, sister Sabre Anderson wrote this morning, “It’s not enough. He doesntt deserve to get out in 25 years. He doesn’t deserve to live. I hope someone kills him slowly and painfully in prison so he can never ever do this to another family.”

His brother Marquis wrote, “25 years is not long enough. Lee took the life of our hero and because of his actions our family will never be able to see the light in my brother’s eyes or the smile on his face.

“Lee deserves to rot ... in hell. Don’t get me wrong; 25 years is better than nothing but it damn sure is not long enough for a man who intentionally took the life of an American hero for no other reason than a bruised ego.

“I hate Lee and I hope that one day karma will catch up with him ten fold so he can have a little taste of the pain he has brought to our family.”

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/pitbull-victims-family-disappointed-with-phuket-sentence-43117.php


-- Phuket News 2013-11-28

[chooka]

"Pitbull" Vs. Devil Dog. Ooh Rah. Unfortunate that Mr. Aldhouse couldn't take it like a man. Now he gets a much needed and well deserved 'cooling off' period. Cannot imagine why he would say he has plenty to do in jail. Are they going to let him fight there? If so, I hope he runs into a few Muay Thai and gets the drubbings he deserves.

Maybe he thinks the Hilton is like the 5 star western prisons, private room with ensuite, your choice of university degree, internet, cable T.V, gym, swimming pools, tennis courts and buffet meals 3 times per day. Let's not forget weekend leave.

[Kerryd]

READ the story. The death penalty which he would have normally faced was taken off the table in order for him to be extradited to Thailand. Without the death penalty he was still facing LIFE imprisonment (which seems to equate to 50 years in Thailand).

By pleading guilty, he was given a sentence of half that amount, 25 years. If I Recall Correctly (IIRC), by Thai law he has to do at least half that sentence in Thai prison before he would be eligible for prison transfer back to the UK and even then I believe there are restrictions which would prevent him from simply being released when he got back (though I'm sure there are plenty of bottom-feeders that would jump at the opportunity to try and get him an early release). (Not to mention he may still be facing additional prison time due to his previous "activities" in the UK.)

What he is obviously hoping for is that sometime in the next couple of years his name will pop up on one of the Royal Pardons that happen what, twice a year maybe ? In which case his sentence may be halved again (and may allow him to try for a prison transfer much sooner).

[overherebc]

Forum readers I am not going to comment on the subject or the verdict, but wish to say in regards to it.

Please do not get drunk, get out of hand and get involved in an altercation that could lead to the death of or injuries to anyone, whether in a bar, or on the roads, Stay sober and think.

Christmas is coming.

Agreed, but, people like this guy don't think or stop thinking straight when on the losing side.

[Bernard Flint]

Hooray for Justice.Myheart goes out to his family,and friends.There was no need to murder the American,he won the fight and a handshake should have been enough for 2 professionals.Alderhouse is no gentleman in my eyes and deserves his punishment.