Man guilty of murdering pensioner
AMAN has been convicted of murdering a pensioner during a drugs robbery. Jonathan Donne tied up and beat 67-year-old John Williams to death in his home in Pentrechwyth, Swansea, on March 29 this year.
The 42-year-old had gone to the house to rob the pensioner of his crop of cannabis.
He had denied the charges, but a jury at Swansea Crown Court found him guilty of murder and robbery yesterday.
His co-accused, Gemma Owen, aged 31, and 46-year-old Simon Cairns, were acquitted of robbery, murder, and an alternative charge of manslaughter.
A judge told Donne he was facing a life sentence, with a minimum term of “many, many years”.
The body of Mr Williams, who was known as Jack, was found by an expartner, bound and beaten and laying on the living room floor of his house on March 31.
He had suffered serious facial and head injuries.
During the trial it emerged Donne has a previous conviction for manslaughter, when he stabbed his partner to death in a flat in Swansea in 2007.
Donne, Owen and Cairns, all of Gordon Thomas Close, Brynmelyn, Swansea, had been on trial at Swansea Crown Court.
After the discovery of Mr Williams’ body, police recovered dozens of cannabis plants from the pensioner’s loft, and a money box containing £10,000 in the kitchen.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Darren George said: “This was a brutal and callous attack on a defenceless elderly man in his own home.
“The jury has found that Donne showed a complete disregard for Jack Williams’ life. His home was ransacked and he was tied up and badly beaten and in essence left for dead.
“Not an ounce of remorse was shown throughout the investigation or during the court proceedings.
“After a lengthy and emotional trial I am pleased the jury has found Donne guilty of murder and robbery.
“I hope today’s conviction can in some way bring closure to Mr Williams’ family and friends, who have had to endure the daily ordeal of sitting through the trial whilst grieving for their loved one, they have done so with great dignity.”
Donne will be sentenced tomorrow.