A man has been jailed for brutal murder of a York pensioner.
Jason Holdgate, 32, has been jailed for the murder of 72-year-old Michael Bradley.
Michael was found dead at his home in Whitethorn Close In Huntington on 4 November last year.
The alarm was raised after neighbours became concerned for his welfare after not seeing him for several days.
On entering his home, police discovered Michael with serious head and facial injuries, a stab wound to his neck, and bruising to his face, neck and body.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Detectives launched a murder investigation that led them to Jason Holdgate and Nicola Beck who were staying at his home.
The pair, described by police as drug users, who led a “chaotic lifestyle”, had befriended Michael who allowed them to stay in his home and use his car.
Enquiries revealed that they had been staying at Michael’s house in the two weeks leading up to the discovery of his body.
Neighbours became concerned after Michael, who was known to stick to his routine and often seen out and about in his garden or out in his car, was nowhere to be seen but two, unknown people were coming and going from his home and using his car.
Beck was originally arrested on suspicion of murder. Subsequent enquiries led detectives to conclude that it was Jason Holdgate who carried out the murder, to which he pleaded guilty on 14 March.
They were both charged with the theft of Michael’s car after they sold it to an innocent and unsuspecting member of the public.
The buyer discovered the car was stolen after he called at the house to collect the log-book and discovered officers were still at the scene of Michael’s murder.
Holdgate, 32, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to murder. A charge of vehicle theft was allowed to lie on file. He was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Friday (21 March) to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of 18 years.
Nicola Anne Beck, 43, also of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to theft of a vehicle. She was given a 16-week jail term.
Detective Superintendent Fran Naughton, head of major and organised crime at North Yorkshire Police, said: “Holdgate and Beck preyed on Mr Bradley and took advantage of him out of greed. Tragically, that cost him his life in the most senseless and violent way.
“We may never know the motive for his murder, but we do know that Holdgate carried out a sustained attack, using a hammer and a knife, resulting in multiple injuries. He is now facing the consequences of his horrific violence.
“Both Beck and Holdgate lived a chaotic life, moving from place to place, using class A drugs daily, and finding cash to fund a drugs habit through any means possible.
“My thanks go to the local community who, despite the shock of Michael’s death, provided invaluable information that assisted our investigation. Although Michael was a private man, his neighbours were clearly concerned about him and raised the alarm when they had not seen him for several days.”