Disabled man's murderers get life

Two men who bound, beat and stabbed a disabled man to death because they mistakenly thought he was a paedophile have been locked up for life.

The mutilated body of Keith Philpott, 36, was found in his home in Axbridge Court, Billingham, on 24 March 2005.

Sean Swindon, 24, of no fixed address, and Michael Peart, 22, of Eamont Road, Norton, pleaded guilty to his murder.

On Monday the pair, who tortured their victim for hours, were jailed for life at Teesside Crown Court.

The hearing heard how Mr Philpott, who had learning difficulties because of complications at birth, was bound and gagged and then repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped during the sustained attack.

Swindon then stabbed him in the stomach before disembowelling him and leaving his body tied up in the flat.

Text messages

The Crown accepted Peart's plea on the basis that he was a secondary party to the crime.

Judge Peter Fox, QC, recommended Swindon serve at least 20 years before being considered for parole and Peart at least 15 years.

The court heard how Mr Philpott was killed because Swindon believed he was sexually abusing his sister Gemma, 19.

The court also heard how the teenager had claimed Mr Philpott had sent her sexually explicit text messages, although he could not read or write.

Prosecutor Graham Reeds said: "Mr Philpott was subjected to a sadistic and horrifically violent assault over several hours."

After the murder the pair took Mr Philpott's ring from his finger and his newly-bought bicycle, which was later dumped.