Murderer who killed MMA fighter is pictured for first time as he’s handed life sentence

Kai Pennell, 35, has admitted the murder of Duane Keen, 47

A man who murdered a talented boxer and MMA fighter has been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 23 years.

Duane Keen, 47, was discovered with serious injuries and pronounced dead at an address in Riverside Drive, Blaenavon, in the early hours of October 17, last year. Kai Pennell, 35, pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Keen at a previous hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

He also pleaded guilty to destroying property, namely a white Suzuki Swift belonging to Rebecca Phillips. The defendant denied an offence of making a threat to kill, but the prosecution will not be seeking a trial on that count.

Pennell, of Riverside Drive, Blaenavon, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court today (Tuesday, February 24), WalesOnline reports.

At the time of Mr Keen’s death witnesses reported seeing armed police and other officers arrive at Riverside Drive shortly after 2am, along with a police helicopter circling overhead. Paramedics, armed police and the Wales Air Ambulance were in attendance and the street was cordoned off.

Paying tribute, Mr Keen’s family said he was a great boxer and MMA all-rounder “with lots of belts to his name”. “He would help anyone who needed it and was always at the end of a phone,” they said.

“He loved being with his dogs and out walking with them. He would help anyone who needed it and was always at the end of a phone.

“Duane will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. There are no words to express what we as a family are going through. Duane, you were a champ in the ring, but you were the biggest champ to us.”