Pensioner's killers get life term

Augustine Maduemezia had been planning to return to Nigeria

Two men who murdered a 71-year-old man at his home were each sentenced to life in prison on Friday.

Augustine Ofili Maduemezia, who ran a light haulage business, was found dead by a neighbour at his house in Miles Platting, Manchester, in February.

David Flynn, 38, and John Crilly, 34, of no fixed address, denied murder at Manchester Crown Court.

The judge recommended Flynn serve a minimum of 25 years and that Crilly should serve at least 20 years.

Mr Maduemezia, who had five grandchildren, was originally from Nigeria and had been planning to travel home to retire in March.

He was last seen alive on 5 February when he took his van for repairs.

Three days later his body was found in his ransacked house.

Forensic evidence was vital to catching his killers.

DNA evidence linked Flynn and Crilly to the murder

DNA taken from bloodstains found at the scene matched their profiles.

Footprints matched Crilly's trainers and Flynn's fingerprints were also found.

Det Supt Andy Tattersall said: "When Crilly and Flynn broke into Augustine's home they were confronted by an elderly, vulnerable man who lived alone.

"Mr Maduemezia posed no credible threat to these men, yet they still attacked him and left him for dead."

Charles Maduemezia said the conviction of his father's killers strengthened his family's faith in the legal system.

"Our father was a very hard working, proud, selfless private man with the utmost integrity," he said.

"We, as a family, are proud to say we strive to maintain these values. May he rest in peace."