A man who attacked a man with a hammer, causing injuries which he later died of in a row over drugs has been jailed.

Eastern Daily Press: Bradley Carter, who died after beuing attacked by Mitchell Bird in Wisbech. Picture: Cambridgeshire policeBradley Carter, who died after beuing attacked by Mitchell Bird in Wisbech. Picture: Cambridgeshire police (Image: Archant)

Mitchell Bird, 29, of Cox Close, Wisbech, was yesterday jailed for 18 years at Cambridge Crown Court after previously being found guilty of the murder of Bradley Carter.

The court heard how the 35-year-old victim had gone to stay with Bird at his home on the morning of February 14.

The next day Mr Carter returned home with blood on his face and in pain.

He told his mother and several other friends that he had been attacked by Bird, during an argument over drug suppliers and a gold chain.

He showed his mother injuries to his knee and his back where he had been struck with a hammer and kicked.

Mr Carter's injuries began ulcerating and the pain he felt continued to get worse.

On February 19 his mother took him to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Kings Lynn.

He collapsed outside the Accident and Emergency department and died.

A post mortem examination, carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr Nat Cary, revealed Mr Carter's cause of death was a haemorrhage and delayed rupture of the spleen.

Mr Carter's mother, Helen Barnes said: 'We would like to thank all those who were involved in bringing the case to trial and achieving justice for Bradley's murder.

'We miss Bradley every day as he was a big part of our family, a loving son, uncle and father.'

Det Chief Insp Jerry Waite from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit said: 'This has been a complex and challenging investigation whereby the prosecution has had to prove that the events on 14 February led to Mr Carter's death five days later.

'Whilst it might not have been Bird's intention to kill someone, if you get involved in a fight where you intend to do somebody serious harm and that person dies you can face court for murder.

'I hope this sentence brings some closure to Mr Carter's family.'