Paedophile killer appeal quashed

Adrian Brown targeted Mr Hartley after a night out drinking

A man who was sentenced to life in prison for murdering a paedophile has had his conviction upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Adrian Leslie Brown, 43, of High Street, Redcar, killed 73-year-old Arnold Hartley at his home in the town in December 2003.

Mr Hartley died from head injuries after he was repeatedly stamped on.

Brown's appeal, based on his claim of inadequate jury directions by the trial judge, was dismissed as unarguable.

Lord Justice Tuckey said Mr Hartley "had in the past been convicted of sexual offences against children" and was targeted by Brown after a night out drinking in the town.

The paedophile had been jailed in 2001 for a series of sex attacks on young children.

Sentencing Brown to life in 2004, the judge at Newcastle Crown Court recommended that he serve a minimum of 14 years.