Redditch man guilty of murder

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A REDDITCH man has been found guilty of murdering his flatmate.

Earl Clarke, of Batchley Road, denied killing 48-year-old Bradley Hamilton at his flat in Rowley Street, Chuckery, Walsall just after midnight on Sunday, November 7, 2010.

But he was found guilty on Monday (February 20) following a four week trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Sounaynah Morabir, aged 23 and of Rowley Street, Walsall and was found guilty of assisting an offender.

The court heard how Mr Hamilton had allowed 38-year-old Clarke and Morabir to occupy a room in his flat. On the evening of November 6, 2010, Clarke violently assaulted Mr Hamilton causing him a number of serious injuries, which resulted in his death. A post-mortem revealed he suffered multiple injuries caused by a severe level of force, consistent with being punched, kicked or stamped on.

Clarke admitted in court he had argued with Mr Hamilton over his drinking and although he admitted punching him after the victim had allegedly threatened him with pepper spray, Clarke did not believe he could have caused his death.

Det Insp Andy Hawkins, senior investigating officer in the case, said: "A number of times throughout the investigation both Clarke and Morabir failed to mention any violence had taken place in the flat and both actively sought to cover up the assaults.

"They lied to police and the ambulance service and in numerous statements to police in interviews Clarke stated he had caused no harm to Mr Hamilton.

"Neither Clarke or Morabir have shown any real remorse for what happened, instead they focused on trying to cover up Clarke's involvement in Bradley's death.

"Hopefully the verdict will bring some closure for his family and help them to move on with their lives."