Keynsham man found guilty of manslaughter over pensioner’s death

A Keynsham man has been found guilty of the manslaughter of a 72-year-old following a two-week retrial at Bristol Crown Court.

Wayne Milsom | Image courtesy of Avon & Somerset Police

Wayne Milsom, 51, was unanimously convicted in connection with the death of Stephen Ridgeway, who died in hospital on Saturday 7th December 2024.

Mr Ridgeway had called an ambulance to his home in Tenby Road, Keynsham, during the early hours of Sunday 3rd November.

The court heard that he told the emergency call-handler and police officers who attended that two men had forced their way into his home and demanded drugs.

Mr Ridgeway said he was attacked after telling them he knew nothing about any drugs. He reported being kicked in the back, threatened with his own kitchen knife and left with a scratch to his neck and a lump on his forehead.

He also told emergency services that he had broken his back the previous year and was experiencing significant pain.

Mr Ridgeway was admitted to hospital and found to have fractures to six ribs. He already suffered from breathing problems, but the court heard that the chest injuries caused during the attack ultimately led to his death.

The property in Tenby Road

Milsom’s DNA was discovered on the top Mr Ridgeway had been wearing, as well as on items inside the property, including a hammer, a champagne bottle and two knives.

Milsom admitted being at the house when Mr Ridgeway was injured but denied manslaughter, claiming the 72-year-old had started the physical altercation. The jury rejected his account.

He had been acquitted of murder following a trial last summer, but jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the manslaughter charge, leading to this month’s retrial.

Milsom was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced on Wednesday 21st October.

Ryan Robbins, 35, also from Keynsham, stood trial in 2025 accused of offences including Mr Ridgeway’s murder and 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.”