By Press Association 2021
Matthew Mason, 19, who has been found guilty of murdering a schoolboy (Cheshire Constabulary/PA)
A farmer’s son who murdered a schoolboy after paying more than £2,000 to stop him revealing their sexual relationship has been sentenced to a minimum of 28 years in custody.
Matthew Mason, 20, admitted bludgeoning 15-year-old Alex Rodda to death with a wrench in woods in Ashley, Cheshire, on December 12 2019 but denied murder, arguing he experienced a loss of control after being blackmailed by the teenager.
Alex Rodda (Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School/PA)
Earlier this month a jury at Chester Crown Court rejected his claims and found him guilty of murder by a majority verdict.
Matthew Mason, 19, bludgeoned 15-year-old Alex Rodda to death with a wrench
Murder trial heard Mason had lured victim to woodland with the promise of sex
Alex had threatened to reveal relationship after finding Mason was dating a girl
Mason didn t believe his friends would accept him if he was gay or bisexual
Mason has been jailed for life with minimum of 28 years at Chester Crown Court
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