Brothers Convicted of Murder While Sibling Faces Separate Charges

Two teenage brothers, Connor and Brandon Doran, were convicted of murdering a rough sleeper, Kevin Bennett, while their older brother, Ryan Doran, awaited trial for a separate murder charge. This tragic case highlights a disturbing pattern of violence within the Doran family.

The incident occurred in the early hours of August 17, 2012, when the brothers, aged 17 and 14, along with a friend, attacked Bennett as he slept in an alley behind a supermarket in Walton. Bennett, 53, had been drinking at the Queens Arms pub that night. Surveillance footage captured him leaving the pub with a bag containing alcohol shortly before the attack.

Connor, identified as the leader of the group, encouraged Simon Evans, their 14-year-old accomplice, to assault Bennett. As Brandon acted as a lookout, Evans began kicking the defenseless man. The brutal attack lasted approximately 20 minutes, during which Bennett sustained severe injuries. The boys fled the scene laughing, leaving Bennett to struggle to reach the supermarket entrance. Despite receiving medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries six days later due to complications from an infection.

The boys did not confess voluntarily; however, Evans later admitted to his mother that they were responsible for Bennett’s death. During the investigation, it emerged that their mother, Linda Doran, had provided a false alibi, which delayed the police’s efforts to apprehend the suspects. All three boys denied the murder charges but were convicted by a jury.

At their sentencing, the judge determined it was in the public interest to reveal their identities despite their ages being protected by a court order. Connor Doran received a life sentence with a minimum term of 12 years, while Evans was sentenced to eight years. Brandon Doran, who did not directly participate in the violence but facilitated it, was sentenced to six years in detention.

The court proceedings also revealed a troubling family dynamic. Linda Doran was described as struggling to control her children, with a judge deeming her a “pathetic and tragic character” for her inability to take responsibility for her role in the situation. She received a 31-month prison sentence for perverting the course of justice. Their brother, Jordan Doran, was sentenced to prison for contempt of court after taking photographs during the trial.

In a separate case just months prior, Ryan Doran had been sentenced to life for the unprovoked murder of Wayne Mitchell, 42, who suffered fatal injuries during an attack in March 2012. The court heard that Ryan had consumed alcohol and drugs before assaulting Mitchell, who later died after collapsing in an alley. Ryan was given a minimum term of 15 years and concurrent sentences for related offenses.

The repercussions of the Doran family’s violent actions extend beyond their immediate circle. The community of Walton has been left to grapple with the impact of these tragic events. The ECHO has undertaken a detailed examination of the Doran brothers’ crimes and their lasting effects on local residents.

In subsequent years, Simon Evans received a reduction in his sentence due to his exemplary behavior while incarcerated. In 2018, a senior judge commended his positive attitude and commitment to rehabilitation, reducing his term by one year. In contrast, Brandon Doran’s application for a similar reduction was denied, with the judge indicating that he had not demonstrated sufficient progress to warrant an early release.

The intertwining narratives of violence and familial dysfunction among the Doran brothers serve as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding youth crime and its broader societal implications.