Overview

• Paul Topham, 46, was sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court to life with a minimum term of 33 years for murder, plus a concurrent 54-month term for burglary.
• Prosecutors said he stole keys days earlier, travelled from Birmingham wearing a balaclava and carrying a change of clothes, and used the key fob to enter Harold Monk’s flat.
• When confronted by Mr Monk, Topham pinned him down and delivered a prolonged beating that caused 18 fractures and fatal internal injuries; the 94-year-old died in hospital the next day.
• Key evidence included CCTV of Topham’s journey and entry, the victim’s account from his hospital bed, and a neighbour’s 999 call after hearing cries for help.
• Topham admitted burglary and manslaughter but denied murder; a jury convicted him in July, and the judge questioned his remorse while stressing the victim’s extreme vulnerability.