A BRITISH MAN who attacked his neighbour who had cerebral palsy with a blunt object has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

Adrian Jenkins, 44, denied killing his neighbour, Julie Fox, 51, but was convicted of murder following a trial at Worcester Crown Court. He was sentenced to life imprisonment today, with a judge ordering he serve at least 33 years.

Julie’s body was found in a cupboard at her home in Worcester on 27 December last year by a concerned neighbour who had not seen her for several days.

Jenkins, who would help Ms Fox with chores, was arrested on 2 January this year after forensic evidence was found at his victim’s home.

The prosecution evidence outlined how Jenkins had hit Julie over the head with a blunt object on 22 December and stole between £200 and £300 from her.

Jonathan Kelleher of Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service said that Jenkins “murdered Julie Fox for financial gain”.

“He had already developed an exploitative relationship with Ms Fox where she would pay him for helping her with some chores. He killed Ms Fox, by striking her head several times with a blunt object, after killing her, he stole from her.

“The defendant denied he had killed Ms Fox, however, the CPS presented evidence to the jury, including CCTV footage and forensic evidence, which proved he was responsible for her death.

“Our thoughts are today with the family and friends of Ms Fox.”