Jane Hings trial: Craig Keogh guilty of rape and murder
A man has been found guilty of raping and murdering a 72-year-old woman after getting high on cocaine on a night out.
Craig Keogh, 26, told police that Jane Hings had paid him £200 for sex and she was still alive when he left her bungalow in Fleckney, Leicestershire.
However, the prosecution described this as "sheer fantasy".
Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court found him guilty of murder, burglary, and two counts of rape.
Keogh is expected to be sentenced on Tuesday.
He knew Ms Hings because he lived in a caravan not far from her home in Elizabeth Road, and he had walked her dog Paddy on several occasions.
Keogh told police he had also done odd jobs in return for cash. However, he did not give evidence at his trial so the prosecution was not given the opportunity to question him.
Mary Prior QC, prosecuting, previously told jurors Keogh raped Ms Hings twice, smothered her with a pillow to stop her from telling anyone then stole and sold her jewellery.
"It must have been, you might think, utterly terrifying for her," Mrs Prior said.
Keogh killed Ms Hings in the early hours of Sunday 24 September and her body was found by two carers later that morning.
Instead of feeling remorseful for the rape and murder, Keogh spent the Sunday and most of the Monday "in a happy and jokey way enjoying spending the money that he clearly took from Jane Hings", Mrs Prior said.
"He was not spending money on essentials but on meals out and treats for his friends.
"He was splashing the cash. Whatever he was, he not scared."
Ms Hings had no immediate family and lived at home with her dog Paddy.
Det Ch Insp David Swift-Rollinson, who led the murder investigation, said: "I cannot imagine the terror and pain that Jane suffered that night at the hands of Keogh.
"She lived alone in her bungalow, was vulnerable and largely dependent on the support of friends and neighbours, not least to walk her beloved greyhound Paddy.
"She was a vulnerable, fragile lady whom I'm afraid would have suffered greatly during the sustained attack."