A man who threw a grandad against a wall and beat him with a hammer over unpaid debt in Brentwood has been convicted of manslaughter.
The attack occurred in Ingrave Road on September 12 last year, when 63-year-old Francis Reilly visited the home of Jason Moore.
An altercation broke out, which saw Francis beaten with a hammer and suffer fatal injuries after being thrown against a wall.
The 63-year-old managed to make it out of the flat but was pursued by Moore, then 38.
It is understood that the altercation continued outside and was witnessed by a taxi driver.
Two Essex Police officers out on patrol were flagged down by the taxi driver, but Francis was pronounced dead at the scene.
Moore was arrested and initially charged with murder, to which he claimed self-defence.
A jury failed to reach a verdict following a trial at Basildon Crown Court.
On October 6 at the same court, Moore admitted manslaughter.
His plea was accepted by all parties.
The 39-year-old will be sentenced later this month.
Det Insp Lisa Hurrell said:“We have continued to support the family of Mr Reilly over the past year.
“He was a father, brother, grandfather and uncle, and all who loved him have felt unimaginable loss.
“Mr Reilly was killed in an utterly senseless act of violence.
“Moore was a drug user who regularly accrued debts with friends and acquaintances to feed his habit.
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“When Mr Reilly visited him to remonstrate over an unpaid debt, Moore unleashed a vicious and sustained assault.
“It was clear, based on the evidence we gathered, he quickly overpowered Mr Reilly and intended to do him serious harm.
“Moore has rightly been convicted and I hope this provides some closure for his family and loved ones.”
