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Teenagers jailed for killing man | Teenagers jailed for killing man |
(about 6 hours later) | |
A teenager who murdered a 54-year-old grandfather for his wallet and mobile phone has been jailed for life at Stafford Crown Court. | A teenager who murdered a 54-year-old grandfather for his wallet and mobile phone has been jailed for life at Stafford Crown Court. |
Matthew Armstrong, 18, was found guilty in July of hitting Paul Smith over the head with a large, heavy stone in Rugby, Warwickshire, last October. | Matthew Armstrong, 18, was found guilty in July of hitting Paul Smith over the head with a large, heavy stone in Rugby, Warwickshire, last October. |
Armstrong, of Deepmore Road, Rugby, was told he would serve at least 19 years. | Armstrong, of Deepmore Road, Rugby, was told he would serve at least 19 years. |
His 14-year-old accomplice, Ryan Smith, was sent to a young offenders institution for three-and-a-half years. | His 14-year-old accomplice, Ryan Smith, was sent to a young offenders institution for three-and-a-half years. |
He was convicted of manslaughter and robbery at Warwick Crown Court. | He was convicted of manslaughter and robbery at Warwick Crown Court. |
'Tall Paul' | 'Tall Paul' |
Armstrong was also convicted of robbing Mr Smith, who had five children and six grandchildren, of his wallet and a mobile phone. | |
Mr Smith, of Biart Place, Rugby, was found in a pool of blood on a pavement in the town after being hit in the neck and face with a large, heavy piece of stone and died almost instantly, Stafford Crown Court heard. | |
During the trial, the jury heard that Mr Smith, known locally as "Tall Paul" for his 6ft 6in stature, may have suffered more injuries as he fell to the ground. | During the trial, the jury heard that Mr Smith, known locally as "Tall Paul" for his 6ft 6in stature, may have suffered more injuries as he fell to the ground. |
Chris Millington, prosecuting, said the killing was "no chance encounter" and that Armstrong had tracked Mr Smith through a maze of streets with Ryan Smith. | |
They then attacked him in the quiet Clifton Street, where he knew they were out of view of CCTV cameras. | They then attacked him in the quiet Clifton Street, where he knew they were out of view of CCTV cameras. |