WE all know alcohol can have a devastating effect on people’s lives. But none will feel that more keenly than Karen Witney, the mother of murder victim Denis Witney.

It is hard not to be moved by Mrs Witney’s words, as she describes how her son’s life spiralled out of control as his drinking became worse.

Pictures of a younger Mr Witney match the description his mother gives him, of a normal, happy man.

It was the tragic death of his father that saw his drinking problems turn into alcoholism, a descent he would never have the chance to recover from.

Speculation will, of course, give her no comfort.

But if Mr Witney had not become a heavy drinker, he may never have encountered Cattell and McCollin, the two callous individuals who beat him to death.

What this tragic case highlights though, is the need to address alcoholism and the problems it almost inevitably leads to.

The fewer lives we needlessly lose to its powerful stranglehold, the better.