Moving tribute from Banbury murder victim Keith Green's mother

An impact statement written by Mr Green’s mother, Jane Mason, was read to Oxford Crown Court this morning – as Mark Meadows, Travis Gorton and Louise Grieve were sentenced over the 40-year-old’s death.

Meadows and Gorton, aged 25 and 20 respectively, were jailed for life – with tariffs of 23 years and 17 years reflecting their respective roles in the murder.

Louise Grieve, Mr Green’s partner, received eight years’ imprisonment for manslaughter.

Following the hearing, Ms Mason said the sentences ‘offer some comfort and mark the start of the process of continued healing and coming to terms with Keith’s death’.

READ MORE: Live updates from sentencing of Banbury murder case

She said in a statement released by Thames Valley Police: “Words cannot describe the devastating impact my son’s violent, unnecessary death has had on his family and friends.

“The last ten months have been the hardest to deal with, it’s felt like a dream I can never wake up from.”

Keith Green (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Ms Mason added: “Keith was a happy-go-lucky sort of chap; he would help anyone and was there for everyone. He was such a genuine person and loved his children dearly.

“[He] leaves behind two young children who will have to grow up not knowing their dad as well as his adult children and step-children who are having to come to terms with his death and face their future without him.

“Keith’s dad and I have struggled tremendously with the loss of our son and I know that this is felt by our wider family and friends.

“Not a day goes by when Keith is not remembered and thought about.”

She thanked the police officers involved in the investigation.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward