A MAN who killed his close friend while on a fishing trip has been sentenced to life behind bars.

Nathan Muat, 45 has today been sentenced to life with a minimum of 19 years after being found guilty of the murder of Peter Seeclear in Whiston.

Muat, of Upper Parliament Street, Toxteth, was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court of killing 45 year-old Mr Seeclear, whose body was found in a tent in Stadt Moers Park in October 2018.

Muat had denied murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter but was found guilty of the more serious charge after trial.

St Helens Star:

Peter Seeclear

This come after evidence following a post mortem revealed that despite Muat claiming Seeclear had died from an epileptic fit, evidence proved that the victim suffered severe chest injuries.

After an eight day trial a unanimous verdict was reached by the jury yesterday, Thursday, May 23.

Muat, of Upper Parliament Street, Toxteth, claimed he had acted in self-defence after Mr Seeclear, also 45, had hit him on the head.

But the court heard that although the two men were apparently best friends Muat used to bully Mr Seeclear.

As well as the fatal injuries he suffered, it was found that the victim had suffered other injuries preceding the fatal attack.

Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Richie Jones, said: "Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Mr Seeclear.

"The investigation and trial have clearly been a distressing time for them and they have been devastated by the loss of a much loved family member.

"Nathan Muat claims he was a close friend of Mr Seeclear and was registered as Mr Seeclear’s carer. At the time of his death Mr Seeclear was on a fishing trip with Nathan Muat.

"It was during that trip that Peter Seeclear was attacked by Muat, who initially tried to cover up the murder by claiming Mr Seeclear had suffered an epileptic fit.

READ: This is the man found guilty of murdering his friend while on a fishing trip

"He later changed his version of events and claimed he had had a fight with Mr Seeclear and killed him in self-defence.

"Thankfully the jury saw through his lies and Muat will now spend a considerable amount of time behind bars.

"I would like to thank my team of officers and colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service for their professionalism, hard work and commitment during this complex and difficult investigation."