Man guilty of Keynsham pensioner’s manslaughter

A MAN has been found guilty of the manslaughter of a Keynsham pensioner.

Wayne Milsom was convicted after a two-week re-trial at Bristol Crown Court.

His victim, Stephen Ridgeway, died in hospital a month after calling an ambulance to his home in Tenby Road in the early hours of November 3, 2024.

The 72-year-old told police that two men had forced their way into his home, demanding drugs. After he told them he didn’t know anything about drugs, they attacked him.

He said he was kicked in the back, scratched on the neck when threatened with his own kitchen knife, and had a lump on his forehead.

Mr Ridgeway said he had broken his back the previous year and was in significant pain.

When admitted to hospital, he was found to have six broken ribs. The court heard he already suffered breathing problems but the chest trauma from the attack ultimately led to his death.

DNA from Wayne Milsom, from Keynsham, was found on the top Mr Ridgeway was wearing, and on items at the house in Tenby Road, including a hammer, a champagne bottle and two knives.

Milsom, aged 51, admitted being at the house when Mr Ridgeway was injured but denied manslaughter, claiming Mr Ridgeway instigated the physical altercation. The jury did not agree with his version of events.

Milsom was acquitted of Mr Ridgeway’s murder in a trial last summer, but the jury failed to reach a verdict relating to manslaughter, which led to a re-trial taking place in July this year.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on October 21.

Ryan Robbins, 35, from Keynsham, also stood trial in 2025 accused of offences including Mr Ridgeway’s murder. He was acquitted on all counts.

Detective Chief Inspector James Wasiak said: “This investigation has been unusual in that the jury was able to hear Stephen Ridgeway’s story told by himself on the day he was attacked, when he did not realise his injuries would lead to his death.

“Stephen was a vulnerable older man who deserved to be able to live out his days safely in his own home. He said himself it was well-known in the community that he had his struggles with drug addiction, but also said that was in the past.

“Stephen was a slight man in ill health, and the jury simply did not believe Milsom’s claims that he was the aggressor.

“Investigating this appalling crime, we have heard from many people who knew, liked and cared for Stephen. They are still saddened by his loss.”

Pictured, Wayne Milsom, left, has been convicted of the manslaughter of Stephen Ridgeway, right