A KILLER who ruthlessly blasted a man in the head with a shotgun after a petty feud over drugs has been put behind bars for 30 years.

Stuart Benson was told by the judge Mr Justice Cooke: "This was a brutal murder with no reason for it, save your wounded ego. It was premeditated and planned."

Antony Parsons, who drove Benson to and from the scene of the murder, was also jailed for life with a minimum sentence of 24 years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how Benson, 26, discharged both barrels at Ben Chantler through the window of his home in Denmark Street, Folkestone, at almost point-blank range.

The 24-year-old labourer died shortly afterwards from two massive head wounds at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Benson, of Charles Crescent, Folkestone, and Parsons, 27, of Plain Road, Folkestone, denied murder, but were both convicted after a seven-week trial.

Benson denied being present when Mr Chantler died and tried to put the blame on Parsons and his brother Martin.

Parsons told the jury that he had seen Benson earlier with a shotgun but did not know he had it when he drove him to collect drugs.

Det Ch Insp Dean Barnes, who led the police investigation, said: "The weapon used and the way in which the attack was planned and carried out clearly demonstrated the intent to kill.

"We hope that the victim’s family can gain some comfort from the convictions and we wish to thank the witnesses for their great courage in coming forward and giving evidence in this case."