Weston-super-Mare, England – A former boxer has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 19 years for a brutal murder that shocked the community. Adam Bowers, 35, was found guilty of assaulting and killing 46-year-old Nick Bryan in a horrific attack at a flat in Rydal Road on November 15, 2021. The presiding judge, Martin Picton, described Bowers’ level of violence as grotesque during sentencing at Bristol Crown Court.
The court heard that Bowers had been released from prison just the day before the murder, after serving time for a previous offense. On the day of the incident, Bowers, accompanied by two women, went to the flat where they began drinking. When the women left to buy more alcohol, they encountered Bryan at a shop and invited him back to the flat. Following an argument, Bowers viciously attacked Bryan, punching and kicking him before fleeing the scene with one of the women.
Paramedics and police responded to a call at 03:40 GMT the next morning and found Bryan with severe injuries on the kitchen floor. He was rushed to Southmead Hospital in Bristol but tragically succumbed to his injuries two days later. Described as a gentle soul, Bryan’s death has left a massive void in the lives of his family and friends.
During the trial, the court was informed that Bowers had confessed to a fellow prisoner about using a hammer in the sustained attack on Bryan. The victim’s sister, Holly, delivered a heartbreaking statement to the court, expressing the pain and anguish of losing her brother and making the difficult decision to remove him from life support.
Detective Chief Inspector Roger Doxsey of Avon and Somerset Police expressed relief and satisfaction at Bowers’ sentencing, acknowledging the challenges the investigation presented. He highlighted the complexity of establishing responsibility among the three individuals present during the incident and emphasized the danger Bowers posed to society. With Bowers off the streets, Doxsey hopes the family can find solace in knowing he won’t be able to commit such a heinous act again.
As the community grapples with the tragic loss of Nick Bryan, loved ones are left to remember him for the wonderful person he was. The impact of his untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the devastation violence can inflict on families and communities as they strive to heal and move forward.