Man, guilty of murder after 'savage attack' on Derbyshire pensioners
Vasile Culea was convicted of the killing in Langwith Junction
A man who broke into the home of two Derbyshire pensioners and subjected them to a 'savage attack' has been found guilty of murder.
86-year-old Freda Walker was found dead in her home in Langwith Junction - following the incident back in January.
Her husband Kenneth suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.
Vasile Culea, who's from Church Warsop in Nottinghamshire, had heard the couple had a significant amount of money in the home they had shared for more than 60 years.
But when the couple either could not, or would not, give the 34-year-old the money, he brutally assaulted them.
The pair were unable to fight back after Culea had bound their hands and feet and even placed bags over Freda’s head.
He was seen on CCTV to calmly walk away from the couple’s house.
The couple were found the following morning by a concerned neighbour.
Freda was dead and Kenneth was in a critical condition.
The 88-year-old was later discharged but passed away in August.
His death was not connected to the attack.
34-year-old Culea had admitted manslaughter but denied Freda's murder.
He's been convicted by a jury at Derby Crown Court.
Culea was also found guilty of GBH with intent in relation to the attack on Ken.
He was cleared of attempted murder.
Temporary Detective Inspector Carolyne Van Schaick, who helped lead the investigation, said:
“Freda and Kenneth Walker had been members of the Shirebrook community throughout their lives, contributing to life in the area both through their work, their involvement in the local council and through their caring and social natures in general.
“All their friends and family have told of how they have both led hardworking lives and always put others first.
“There is no doubt that having worked so hard over the years that Freda and Kenneth deserved a long, happy retirement and peace in their later years.
“This was taken away from them back in January when Vasile Culea, believing the couple had money in the address, went in with the intention to steal from them.
“When he encountered Freda and Kenneth, he assaulted them, killing Freda and leaving Kenneth for dead. The methods he used were truly shocking.
“Whilst Kenneth may have survived the attack, he had lost his wife and lived out his remaining days requiring constant care before he sadly passed away shortly before this case was due to be heard.
“I would like to thank the family of both Ken and Freda who have shown courage throughout this terrible time, as well as the community of Shirebrook who have supported each other, and this investigation, throughout.
“Whist this verdict can never reverse Culea’s actions on that night I do hope it provides some consolation to those affected by this horrific crime that justice has been done.”