Three men found guilty of killing Nuneaton man
The trio also stole his bank card to withdraw money.
Last updated 16th Apr 2024
Three men have been convicted of killing a Nuneaton man and stealing his bank cards as he lay dying on the floor.
Police were called on 3 September 2023 after Mark Hoverd was brought into hospital with several injuries including a serious head injury. He died later the same day.
An investigation into the 57-year-old’s death began, which saw officers quickly identify three potential suspects – Francis Olner, 36, Aleksandrs Gudkovs, 43, and Stuart Grant, 42.
After a meticulous investigation – including trawling thousands of hours of CCTV - the team were able to show trio had gone to James Diskin Court in the early hours of the morning.
Mark was viciously attacked in his own home and left for dead. The men stole his bank cards and then used them shortly afterwards to withdraw money from nearby cashpoints.
When arrested, the three men gave conflicting stories – blaming one another and claiming to they hadn’t been inside Mark’s flat.
However comprehensive investigations continued, and the trio were subsequently charged.
Olner, of Manor Court Road, Nuneaton has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and five founds of fraud by false representation.
Gudkovs, formerly of Coton Road, Nuneaton has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, five counts of fraud by false representation and possessing a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place.
Grant, of no fixed abode has been charged with murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and five founds of fraud by false representation.
Following a three-week trial at Coventry Crown Court, Olner was found guilty of murder.
Gudkovs and Grant, who had both previously admitted the fraud offences, were found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, while all three were found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery.
They will be sentenced at the same court on Wednesday 26 March.
Following the verdict, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Collette O’Keefe said: "This was a horrendously senseless and violent assault on a vulnerable man.
“Even now it’s not truly clear why they chose to set on Mark in his home – beating him savagely and leaving him for dead.
“To then have the temerity to take his bank cards and withdraw cash makes what was already a heinous crime even more reprehensible.
“Not only was the attack pre-meditated, ultimately, it resulted in them taking the life of a vulnerable man, which is utterly devastating for Mark’s family.
“Mark did nothing to deserve this and none of the defendants have taken any responsibility nor have they shown any remorse since it happened.
“I’m delighted with today’s outcome and the fact the jury saw through the lies of Olner, Gudkovs, and Grant.
“Their act of extreme violence will have devastating long-term consequences for Mark’s family and partner, and our thoughts remain with them at this challenging time.
“I hope this verdict brings them some comfort as they continue to come to terms with their tragic loss.
“Finally, I would like to thank the investigation team for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism throughout what has been an incredibly difficult case.
“It has been a tremendous team effort – spanning multiple departments and specialisms – each of whom played a key part.
“It is largely due to their efforts – spending days painstakingly securing evidence – that three dangerous offenders are now off the streets and facing a lengthy stretch in jail.”