Trio killed man in his home and stole bank cards

Francis Olner (left) has been jailed for murder while Aleksandrs Gudkovs and Stuart Grant have been jailed for manslaughter

Three men who killed a "vulnerable" man in his own home and stole his bank cards as he lay dying, have been jailed.

Francis Olner, 36, has been jailed for life for the murder of Mark Hoverd, while Aleksandrs Gudkovs, 43, and Stuart Grant, 42, have both been jailed for manslaughter.

Police were called on 3 September after 57-year-old Mr Hoverd, from Nuneaton, was brought into hospital with several injuries including a serious head injury, and died later the same day.

The senior investigating officer for the case said: "This was a horrendously senseless and violent assault on a vulnerable man."

A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police said the investigation involved "trawling thousands of hours of CCTV".

They said: "Mark was viciously attacked in his own home and left for dead. The men stole his bank cards and then used them shortly afterwards to withdraw money from nearby cash points.

"When arrested, the three men gave conflicting stories – blaming one another and claiming to they hadn’t been inside Mark’s flat."

Mark Hoverd's family said: "He was a good friend to anybody who knew him and the world will be a much sadder place without him."

All three men were charged with murder but only Olner was found guilty in a trial at Coventry Crown Court on Tuesday. He was given a minum tariff of 28 years.

Gudkovs and Stuart were found not guilty of murder but were found guilty of manslaughter They were jailed for15 years and four months.

The three men were all found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery.

Olner pleaded guilty to one count of fraud by false representation at the trial, while Gudkovs and Stuart pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation.

'Heinous crime'

Following the verdict, senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Collette O’Keefe said: "Even now it’s not truly clear why they chose to set on Mark in his home – beating him savagely and leaving him for dead.

“To then have the temerity to take his bank cards and withdraw cash makes what was already a heinous crime even more reprehensible."

In tribute, Mr Hoverd's partner Debbie Williams said: “He was a kind and gentle man – a star that shone brightly - and I miss him every day.

“Until we meet again in heaven, I will love you eternally. God bless you and sleep tight.”

His family added: “Mark was a loving son, brother, father, uncle and friend – a gentle and kind soul who would never hurt anybody.

“Nothing will ever bring Mark back but knowing that justice will be served provides some comfort to us all.”

Det Ch Insp O'Keefe said she was delighted with the outcome of the trial and said the jury had seen through the three men's lies.

"Not only was the attack pre-meditated, ultimately, it resulted in them taking the life of a vulnerable man, which is utterly devastating for Mark’s family," she said.

“Mark did nothing to deserve this and none of the defendants have taken any responsibility nor have they shown any remorse since it happened."

In a statement previously released via police, Mr Hoverd's son said: "My dad had a heart of gold and could bring a smile to the face of anyone he met.

"His love and care will be missed by so many people, but the memories he left behind will continue to bring joy."