THE mother of murdered man Russell Nixon still has nightmares about his death, according to a personal statement read out in court.

Bristol Crown Court heard on Tuesday how Anne Nixon, who lives in Derby, has been left devastated by the brutal death of the 38-year-old, who was her last remaining family member.

“The death of my son has left me devastated,” she said. “It made me sick to hear people were taking advantage of him when he was in Chippenham.

“I feel so lonely now knowing I will never see him again. Mental health has ruined my life and I cannot take it any more.

“No one should have to bury their children and I have had to bury them both and Russell was taken away in such a cruel way.

“It still haunts me to this day what Russell looked like in his coffin and I still have nightmares.

“He will always be my little boy and I hope he finds peace.”

Mr Nixon, who was murdered with a brick in London Road on May 10 by Matthew Chapman following an earlier attack, also leaves his ex-partner of eight years and his two children.

In her personal statement to court, she expressed sadness and anger that her children would never be able to rekindle their relationship with him but said she knew the 38-year-old unreservedly loved them.

“I am sad Russell is no longer with us and I am angry our children have had opportunities taken away from them,” she said. “I feel I have more responsibility placed on my shoulders.

“I do not want this tragic situation to impact my children’s future. I want to be able to focus on their memories of their dad rather than how he died.”

Chapman, 23, of Wood Lane, who apologised for his actions, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years by Judge Peter Blair QC.