Killer sentenced for murder of 94-year-old in Wolverhampton burglary
45-year-old Paul Topham has been sentenced today
A man who subjected a 94-year-old great-grandfather to a fatal beating during a burglary has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 33 years minus term served on remand after his dying words as evidence against his killer.
Paul Topham, 45, of Palmerston Road, Birmingham was sentenced today at Wolverhampton Crown Court following his conviction for the murder of Harold Monk.
The elderly victim died from his injuries after Topham broke into his sheltered housing flat and subjected him to a brutal beating when confronted.
The attack occurred in the early hours of 3 October 2024 when Topham entered Mr Monk's home in Bradmore. When Mr Monk, who was in pyjamas, asked what he was doing, Topham pushed him to the floor without saying a word. He then straddled the pensioner and launched a prolonged assault.
The savage attack left Mr Monk with extensive bruising, multiple rib fractures, spinal fractures, facial injuries and a brain haemorrhage. He died from his injuries on 4 October 2024 but was able to give police an account of his ordeal from his hospital bed before his death.
Topham had initially pleaded guilty to burglary and manslaughter, but the Crown Prosecution Service rejected the manslaughter plea. The case proceeded to trial where he was convicted of murder after the prosecution was able to prove that Topham either intended to kill Mr Monk or at the very least cause him grievous bodily harm.
Speaking in tribute, on behalf of Mr Monk's family, his daughter Patricia said: "Harold, my dad, was a wonderful human being who was loved dearly by his family and we think about him with sadness every day.
"We miss his quirky sense of humour and his huge presence. We miss witnessing the fulfilment he found in everyday life even at 94 years old and he loved to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow."
Detective Inspector Phil Poole, from West Midlands' Police Homicide Unit, said: "Throughout this investigation our thoughts have been with Mr Monk's family and we dearly hope that this conviction can ease some of the pain and sadness which they continue to endure.
"Mr Monk had every right to be safe in his own home and this was cruelly shattered by an appalling attack which stole a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather from his loving family.
"Our teams worked tirelessly to bring that attacker before the courts and he has now been convicted of this brutal murder."
Jonathan Roe, from the Crown Prosecution Service, added: "This was an utterly callous and senseless crime that robbed Harold Monk of his final years and caused immeasurable pain to his loved ones. Paul Topham showed no mercy as he brutally attacked a defenceless 94-year-old man in his own home where he should have felt safest.
"Mr Monk's courage in providing testimony despite his traumatic injuries was crucial in bringing Topham to justice.
"The sentence handed down today reflects the gravity of this heinous act and sends a message that those who commit these despicable crimes should expect to face the full consequences of their actions.
"Our thoughts remain with Mr Monk's family at this time."