A 52-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years for the murder of his elderly father in Southport, following a deteriorating relationship sparked by the death of the son’s pet dog.
John David Sarwanskyj was found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday of killing his 73-year-old father Ivan in what police described as a “sustained and abhorrent attack” at their home on Braemar Avenue on December 22, 2024.
The court heard that Sarwanskyj subjected his frail father to a brutal assault, leaving him with dozens of injuries before making what prosecutors called a “remarkable confession” to neighbours.
Brutal Attack on Vulnerable Victim
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall described the case as “a truly appalling domestic murder of a vulnerable man in his own home.
“Ivan was described as an elderly, frail old man, who appeared older than his age. Ivan tragically died at the hands of his son in a sustained and abhorrent attack,” Nuttall stated.
The court was told that Sarwanskyj visited a neighbour’s house after the attack and confessed he had “jumped all over his father’s head.
When paramedics arrived at the scene, Sarwanskyj told them: “I’m not bothered he’s dead. He wasn’t a nice man.”
Relationship Deteriorated After Dog’s Death
The prosecution revealed that the father-son relationship had significantly deteriorated following the death of John Sarwanskyj’s 11-year-old American bulldog, Zeus, approximately three months before the murder.
Prosecutor Nick Johnson KC told the jury that Sarwanskyj had been “deeply upset” by the death of his pet in September 2024.
The defendant accused his father of conspiring with local vets to poison the dog, which witnesses said sparked a “desire for revenge” in him.
The prosecution’s case is that the defendant was deeply upset by the death of his dog,” Johnson stated.
Arguments Over Money
The court heard that ongoing arguments between father and son also centered around money, with neighbours reporting loud shouting from the property in the early hours of December 22.
Donna Larkey, who lived opposite the family, told the court she heard an “angry” John Sarwanskyj demanding money from his father.
Russell Moss, who knew both men for around three years, testified about visiting the house on the day of the murder and finding Ivan on the floor with a black eye and blood coming from his ear.
Attempted Cover-Up
Initially, Sarwanskyj claimed he had not been present during his father’s death and suggested either a third party had killed Ivan or that he had suffered his injuries in a fall.
He told police at the scene: “I’ve been to town today, check the CCTV footage. He’s a drinker right, I go out. I’m not gonna kill me old fella, am I?”
Officers discovered a bloodstained sponge and cloth around the kitchen sink, suggesting an attempt to clean up evidence.
Self-Defence Claim Rejected
During the 12-day trial, Sarwanskyj changed his story and claimed to have acted in self-defence, alleging his father had attacked him first.
However, the jury unanimously rejected this defence and found him guilty of murder.
The bedroom where Ivan was found had walls, floor, side tables and a mattress “covered in blood,” according to evidence presented to the court.
Friend’s Testimony
Russell Moss provided crucial evidence about Sarwanskyj’s state of mind on the day of the murder.
He recalled drinking Jack Daniel’s whisky with the defendant, who had £80 in cash and wanted to buy amphetamines.
“He started getting a bit aggressive. He goes, ‘well you chuck the 20 quid in’ I said, I haven’t got any money. He started balling up, because he’d had a drink. He was getting a bit angry. His head had gone,” Moss testified.
History of Conflict
The court heard that police had been called to the property on previous occasions, including incidents where Sarwanskyj had kicked his father and damaged his car during arguments.
Witnesses described how Sarwanskyj’s behaviour had changed in the months following his dog’s death, with increasing tensions over money and the pet’s demise.
Judge’s Sentencing Remarks
Despite maintaining his innocence throughout the trial, Sarwanskyj was convicted by the jury and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Judge Andrew Menary imposed a minimum term of 15 years before the defendant can be considered for parole.
Detective Chief Inspector Nuttall said after the verdict: “Despite his refusal to take responsibility for his actions, the jury unanimously found him guilty.”
Family Supported
Merseyside Police confirmed that Ivan’s family is being supported by specialist officers following the traumatic events.
The force added that it hoped Sarwanskyj would “reflect on the devastation he has caused” during his time in prison.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help when family relationships deteriorate.
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