Man jailed over violent death of pensioner

Simon Brown was jailed for 13 years for the violent death

A man has been jailed for the violent death of a Kent pensioner.

William Rowe, 71, was beaten to death after an argument inside a house in Mercury Close, Rochester, on 3 September last year, according to Kent Police.

He suffered a prolonged and vicious assault, which left him with serious facial and chest injuries, officers said.

Simon Brown, 28, from Snowdon Close, Chatham, was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday to 13 years in prison.

Mr Rowe had been staying at the house while he was decorating it for a friend of Brown’s, police said.

CCTV showed Brown returning to the property less than 24 hours after the attack to collect his car and drive away.

Brown initially stood trial for murder but was found not guilty, police said.