Norwich man convicted of murdering friend in dispute over money
64 year old Stephen Grimwood will be sentenced in the New Year for the killing for 58 year old Mark Franklin
A Norwich man has been convicted of murdering a friend after a dispute over money earlier this year.
64 year old Stephen Grimwood, of Shipfield, was convicted in around three hours by a jury at Norwich Crown Court for his involvement in the death of 58 year old Mark Franklin at his home in Mile Cross.
The court heard how Franklin was found with 'traumatic' head injuries on the follor of his living room in Appleyard Crescent on April 29. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His injuries were so severe police initially thought he'd been shot. A pathologist confirmed he'd died after suffering 'devastating' blunt force trauma to his head.
Grimwood was caught on CCTV leaving Franklin's home on April 26, before using his bank card to withdraw £500 at a cash machine.
Witnesses told police Grimwood was a regular visitor to Mr Franklin's home. It's alleged Grimwood owed around £3500 to Mr Franklin and refused to settle the debt.
Bloody footprints were discovered in Mark's kitchen, which were later matched with Grimwood's footwear.
DI Lewis Craske, of Norfolk Police, who led the investigation, said:
“This was a violent attack that was so ferocious it appeared to officers who discovered Mark’s body that it may have been a shooting."
"It’s impossible for most of us to even imagine committing such terrible violence to another person.
“It’s very sad that Mark’s life ended with such brutality and at the hands of someone he considered to be his friend – in fact, Grimwood was perhaps one of the few people who had been a consistent presence in his life over several years.
"Today’s result will never bring Mark back, but I hope it goes some way to ending this awful ordeal for his family.”
Grimwood will be sentenced on January 3 next year.