'Predator' guilty of murdering pensioner at home

Michael Martin was found dead at his home in Worthing in March

A “violent predator” has been found guilty of murdering a pensioner in West Sussex.

Sukhkit Bains, 46, stabbed Michael Martin, 72, at the pensioner’s home in St Botolph’s Road, Worthing, in March.

Bains, of Brighton Road, Southgate, Crawley, was found guilty of murder by a jury at Isleworth Crown Court on Tuesday. He will be sentenced at the same court on 1 November.

Following the verdict, Mr Martin’s family said he was a loving and dedicated father and grandfather who “would do anything to help anyone”.

The court heard how Bains, also known as Sukhjit Bains, tried to conceal killing his acquaintance Mr Martin by wiping the knife clean, turning over a blood-stained rug and putting his own bloody clothes in a washing machine.

Mr Martin was found at his home by a family member at 18.30 GMT on 22 March.

“Our dad met a violent predator that preyed on the vulnerable," said Mr Martin's family in a statement following the case.

"He has taken away the last precious years we had with our dad and grandad. We had the best dad in the world. He was our hero and he taught us to love, to be kind and to always look after each other.

“There are simply no words to describe the level of pain and loss we continue to feel. This act is something we will never be able to comprehend or forgive."

Det Insp Amanda Zinyama, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “This was a distressing case and our thoughts continue to be with the family and loved-ones of Mr Martin.”