Man convicted of murdering pensioner in 'violent' Worthing attack
72-year-old Michael Martin has been described as 'the best dad in the world'
A man who killed a pensioner in what police have described as a 'sustained and violent' attack at his home in Worthing has been convicted of his murder.
72-year-old Michael Martin was stabbed repeatedly and assaulted at an address in St Botolph's Road in March by his acqaintance, 46-year-old Sukhkit Bains.
He died after being found by a family member there at 6.30pm on March 22nd.
Isleworth Crown Court how Bains, of Brighton Road in Southgate, had attempted to conceal his crime by wiping clean a knife, turning over a blood-stained rug, and putting his own blood-stained clothing in the washing machine.
He was later arrested at an address in Crawley.
Bains was found guilty of murder by a jury on Tuesday (October 29th) following a trial and will be sentenced on Friday (November 1st).
In a statement following the verdict, Mr Martin’s family said he was a loving and dedicated dad and grandad.
They said: “He always had time for people, found solace in making friends, and would do anything to help anyone.
“We had the best dad in the world. He was our hero and he taught us to love, to be kind, and to always look after each other.
“There are simply no words to describe the level of pain and loss we continue to feel.”
They said the crime has left them to navigate “immense feelings of devastation and grief".
The family added: “Our dad met a violent predator that preyed on the vulnerable. He has taken away the last precious years we had with our dad and grandad.
“This act is something we will never be able to comprehend or forgive."
Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “This was a distressing case, and our thoughts continue to be with the family and loved-ones of Mr Martin.
“Bains carried out a sustained and violent attack upon him in his home.
“We were determined to get answers for Mr Martin’s family and to ensure that Bains was brought to justice.
“I would like to say thank you to the witnesses who have come forward and to the public for supporting our complex investigation.
“We are pleased that the jury has found Bains guilty of this crime, and he now faces sentencing.”