The former boxer beat the much-loved family man to death

Two women met Nick Bryan in a shop where they were buying alcohol and invited him back to a flat for drinks. It was an invitation that led to his death at the hands of a vicious thug.

Former boxer Adam Bowers was already at the flat in Rydal Road, Weston-super-Mare, and had been drinking with the two women on November 15, 2021. Mr Bryan and Bowers argued and Bowers became violent.

Bowers beat Mr Bryan to death, punching, kicking and hitting his terrified victim with a hammer. Bowers has now been jailed for life for the brutal crime and will have to spend at least 20 years behind bars.

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Bowers, 35, carried out the sustained and violent attack on Mr Bryan before leaving the flat with one of the women. Avon and Somerset Police were called by paramedics after Mr Bryan was found unconscious. He was rushed to hospital but unfortunately died on November 17, 2021.

A post mortem revealed the 46-year-old, who lived in Leicestershire, died after suffering significant head injuries. A murder investigation was launched and led to Bowers being charged in November 2023. He pleaded guilty in February.

The court was told that Bowers confessed to a fellow inmate in 2022, while serving a sentence for an unrelated offence, that he repeatedly punched Mr Bryan and also used a hammer in the alleged attack. Judge Martin Picton gave Bowers a life sentence and told him he would serve at least 20 years before he could be considered for release.

He said Bowers’ confession amounted to “bragging” about what he had done and showed no remorse. He added that Bowers had no reason to attack Mr Bryan or continue to attack in a “sustained and savage manner”, adding that the level of violence was “grotesque”.

“Wonderful” and “funny” family.

Mr Bryan’s family have since paid tribute. He was described as a “wonderful” and “funny” man.

Anne Bryan, Nick’s mother, said of her son: “He was funny, he was kind, he was smart and a little bit scared. He was bungee jumping and white water rafting; he liked that kind of thing, swimming in the sea when it was cold.”

Nick’s sister Holly Bryan said her brother’s “hysterical laughter” will be something associated with him. She added: “I definitely want him to be remembered for how wonderful she was.”

She also said that Nick loves anything to do with Wonder Woman, so much so that he was bought a themed blanket for Christmas. In his honor, she wore a Wonder Woman costume to his funeral and her graduation.

A dangerous man behind bars

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Doxsey, of the Major Crime Squad, said: “It is clear that Nick was a much-loved son and brother who brought laughter to the lives of those close to him.”

“He died in November 2021 and we recognize that it has been a long time since then. While we were always confident that Bowers was the man responsible, this was a complex investigation to ensure we secured a conviction for murder.”

“In that time we haven’t always had all the answers Nick’s family would like, so I want to thank them for their patience and understanding.”

“Ultimately, we are relieved and pleased that this investigation has ended with a life sentence. Bowers is a dangerous man who is behind bars now and will be for many years to come.”