An alcoholic who fatally beat a former chef who had worked at top London restaurants in a "fierce, sustained and relentless" attack has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 16 years. Adam Rowson, 26, callously used Alexis De Naray's bank card to buy alcohol and scratch cards after leaving him dead or dying in an abandoned garage in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, in June 2025.
Details of the Attack
Rowson was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on Wednesday. Judge Avik Mukherjee stated that Rowson believed he had killed Mr. De Naray when he "callously" used his card and "freely spent his money on anything that pleased you" until the bank stopped the transactions. The defendant, wearing glasses and a blue T-shirt with a collar, showed little emotion as the sentence was handed down.
The court heard that Rowson and Mr. De Naray, 45, met at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in the early hours of June 24 last year. After a brief interaction, Rowson offered the victim, who also struggled with alcoholism, a place to stay for one night. Judge Mukherjee said: "By the time you left him in the disused garage, probably on the 25th June, he had been so severely beaten by you he was dying or dead. You left him in that physical state. Rather than calling for help, you left him to die. You covered his body... because you knew what you had done to him."
Injuries and Aftermath
Mr. De Naray, who studied at Leiths School of Food and Wine and had previously worked at Claridge's, suffered a traumatic brain injury, 20 rib fractures (three of which occurred after his death), and multiple injuries to his head, torso, and upper limbs. The nature of his injuries is typically associated with stamping, kicks, or strikes with objects. A post-mortem examination revealed defensive injuries to his back, consistent with him being in a foetal position to protect himself.
Victim Impact Statements
In a victim impact statement read by prosecution counsel Sally Howes KC, Alexandros De Naray described his older brother as "one of the most caring and loving people I have ever known." He said: "He was my best friend; I loved him more than I could ever explain. I think every day how I can never see him again and one of the people I loved most in the world has been taken away from me in such a horrible way. I can only hope he felt no pain in his last moments and he is now at peace."
Their father, Constantine De Naray, said his son was "funny, kind, thoughtful, generous and a loving son." He added: "My wonderful boy did not deserve to lose his life. He was a dear son who we will forever miss. He was a very talented chef who worked in London until he became unwell and moved to Shrewsbury to be close to family. He was gradually getting better when he sadly lost his life. No parent should have to bury a child, more especially in these horrendous circumstances."
Judge's Remarks
Judge Mukherjee noted: "It is clear the person they knew and loved so very dearly was warm, kind-hearted, compassionate and courageous. He never gave up on people. He was a damaged and vulnerable person who was struggling with alcoholism up until his passing." He told Rowson: "He was a survivor and he survived up until he had the misfortune of meeting you."
The judge stated that Rowson was fully aware he had killed Mr. De Naray but did not call emergency services for days, instead pretending he had found the body. He also disposed of a T-shirt he had been wearing, demonstrating "forensically astute" thinking. Rowson allegedly told a friend: "Have you heard about the situation, it got bad bro, I don't even want to go home because I think I killed someone."
The judge added: "You lied to the emergency services, you lied to police at the scene. Only you know the full detail of what you did. I'm sure you have not told the truth at any stage about the assault on Alexis."
Defence Statement
Defending, Michelle Heeley KC said Rowson was sorry and that alcohol and drugs had contributed "significantly" to his actions. She stated: "Through me he would like to apologise... he recognises the pain he has caused the family. He is still a relatively young man, 26 now and not particularly mature. While in custody he has found a job... he is trying to pay his debt in some minor way. The structure has benefitted him. He is clean now of drink and drugs. He can say no more other than he is sorry and accepts the punishment of the court."
