Gary Dean had run the London Marathon 18 times

• Gary Dean had run the London Marathon 18 times
  
• Gary Dean had run the London Marathon 18 times
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Gary Dean, a marathon runner from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was beaten to death by Carol and Scott Dawson (mother and son) following an ongoing vendetta over his use of a public footpath that crossed through their land.

Dean was attacked with rocks and tree branches, after being shot in the back with an air rifle, before his body was dumped in a ditch off Silkstone Common.

Found guilty at Sheffield Crown Court on Friday, it's reported the pair showed no emotion as they were told they would be jailed for life when they are sentenced next week.

Mr Dean repeatedly ran on the Dawson's land during his morning training regime, leading to multiple complaints lodged by the Dawsons to police for alleged fly-tipping, arson and the placing of scarecrows on the family’s land (although there were no convictions).

A telephone recording played to jurors revealed Scott Dawson told police how he would “rip” Mr Dean in half over his alleged behaviour on his mother’s land.

Talking to the court, Mr Dean's wife said: “Gary was a quirky man, eccentric, but wouldn’t ever want to harm anyone. He was a complex character.

“He had many friends. His death saddened so many people. No one can comprehend why anyone would do this.”