32-year-old guilty of murdering Leatherhead man who gave him place to stay in lockdown
Phillip Bagwell's body was found in the lift of the building where he lived
A man has been convicted over a "brutal unprovoked attack" that left a 54-year-old dead in Leatherhead.
Daniel Styles, also known locally as Daniel George Hopper, was today (10 December) found guilty of murder following a three week trial at Guildford Crown Court.
The 32-year-old, of Clare Crescent in Leatherhead, had been allowed to stay at victim Phillip Bagwell's flat in North Street during lockdown.
Police were called on 10 June when Bagwell's body was found by a neighbour in the building’s lift.
Styles was identified as the main suspect and was arrested later that day, before being charged on 13 June.
He will be sentenced tomorrow (11 December) at Guildford Crown Court.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Friday said: "Phillip had allowed Styles to stay at his home during lockdown, where Styles went onto take advantage of his kindness, tormenting him, bullying him and treating Phillip’s home as his own.
"Styles punched and kicked Phillip about the head and body causing fatal injuries, before leaving him in the communal lift in the block of flats where Phillip lived.
"After the assault, Styles returned to Phillip’s flat where he went to sleep. Phillip was found the following morning."
Bagwell, described as "a well-known figure in the local community" is survived by his two children.
Detective Chief Inspector Friday added: "Our thoughts at this time are with Phillip’s family and friends and I hope that the outcome in court today will provide them with some answers as to how Phillip met his death, and help them begin to come to terms with what has happened."