Sydney Pavier murder: Leamington man gets life sentence
A man has been sentenced to life for the murder of a 91-year-old man, who died almost two months after an attack.
Sydney Pavier was found unconscious at his home in Gordon Street, Leamington Spa, on 16 September.
The house had been ransacked and a charge of grievous bodily harm was later changed to murder.
Scott Melville, 38, of no fixed address was convicted on Monday at Birmingham Crown Court. He was told he would serve a minimum of 26 years in jail.
'Little of value'
Det Ch Insp James Essex, of Warwickshire Police, said the sentence reflected "the violence inflicted by Melville".
"Sydney was found badly beaten, lying unconscious on his bed, when relatives called to see him on the morning of 16 September last year. The door had been kicked in and the house ransacked," Mr Essex said.
"Despite his horrendous injuries, Sydney battled to live, but more than a month later on the 28 October he sadly lost his fight for life."
Mr Essex said Mr Pavier had "proudly maintained his independence", despite his failing eyesight.
He said the 91-year-old was "a man of modest means, with little of value in his home".
"Why Melville chose to break into Sydney's home, why he then attacked this defenceless, partially sighted frail old man, we cannot know," he added.
Melville had earlier admitted two charges of burglary and robbery, relating to other offences.