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Life sentence for grandad murder

Gemma Rathbone
13/ 2/2008

TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘kind’ and ‘charitable’ Romiley grandad murdered in his own home, as his attacker starts a life sentence.

Arthur Gregg was mercilessly battered in his Urwick Road bungalow last October by drug addict Robert Cole, one of a gang of rogue builder travellers who fleeced him of his savings.

The 76-year-old suffered two skull fractures and eight broken bones in his face and staggered around his home for several hours trying to get help.

At Manchester Crown Court last week, Judge Anthony Gee ordered that Cole, of St Helens, should serve at least 16 years 285 days before he can be freed on parole.

Romiley councillor Sid Lloyd welcomed the sentence and said Mr Gregg was a fellow churchgoer who made him smile during services at St Chad’s on Church Lane.

"He always made me smile when he read the lessons as he would stand there with his glasses perched on the end of his nose," he said.

"Some years ago, back in the days of Romiley Urban District Council, he was also a Conservative councillor.

"He was very well known in the community and was a regular sight in the village.

"Everyone is incredibly shocked that this happened to such a nice, kind man, who wouldn’t hurt a fly.

"It was only through the court case that we learnt he was being preyed on and ripped off. That’s the really sad thing - that nobody knew.

"It is some consolation at least that his murderer has been jailed."

Bredbury Green resident Frank Dolan will remember Mr Gregg as a charitable man.

"I used to see him on a regular basis," he said. "He was often picking up pennies for charity.

"It’s an unreal situation and it’s sad that it happened in his own home. He was a father and a grandfather and the circumstances are just tragic."

Cole and the rogue builders had swindled Mr Gregg out of more than £25,000 over botched work done at his home.

When Cole returned one day and couldn’t get any more money he punched and stamped Mr Gregg before fleeing in his car.

He later denied being in the bungalow but was linked to the murder by blood spatters, DNA evidence and CCTV footage.

On jailing Cole for life, Judge Gee said: "This was a wicked and brutal murder of a kind, defenceless man.

"It was a merciless, pitiless attack on a frail, elderly man in his on home where he should have been safe.

"For weeks, even months, prior to his death, he was sadly preyed upon by despicable low-life criminals, including you. You have not shown the slightest trace of upset or remorse for what you did."

Click on the video link to see CCTV footage capturing Cole on camera shortly before the murder ...