Cambridge homeless man Raymond Boyle's killer, 18, jailed

Jack Robinson dragged Raymond Boyle to the River Cam

A teenager has been jailed for life for the murder of a homeless man in a "savage attack" in Cambridge.

Jack Robinson stamped on 53-year-old Raymond Boyle's head and back, in Jesus Green last June. He dragged him unconscious to the River Cam, where his body was later found.

Robinson, 18, of no fixed address, had denied murder, during his trial at Cambridge Crown Court.

He was told he must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Speaking after the case, police said Robinson calmly walked to a friend's house after the attack, in the early hours of 22 June.

He discarded his jumper on the way, and is thought to have swapped the laces of his trainers over concern forensic evidence would link him to the murder, police added.

Mr Boyle's body was found at 02:00 BST and Robinson was arrested later that day.

He claimed responsibility for the assault but denied dragging him to the water.

'Defenceless man'

Police said Robinson's account changed numerous times during interview and later in court.

During the trial, CCTV images were shown of Mr Boyle walking through the city before crossing Magdalene Bridge towards Jesus Green at 00:33 BST - the last time he was seen alive.

An hour later, Robinson and his friend Daniel Mynott, also 18, were captured on the same camera heading in the opposite direction.

Mr Mynott, of Haviland Way, Cambridge, had stood trial with Robinson on a charge of grievous bodily harm with intent and was cleared by the jury.

Raymond Boyle was defenceless, police said

Det Ch Insp George Barr said: "This was a savage, unprovoked attack on a defenceless man.

"Robinson was involved in the attack which had been fuelled by alcohol, and was seen kicking and stamping on Mr Boyle while he lay on the floor.

"That assault was bad enough, but for Robinson to drag him, barely conscious, into the water where he stood no chance of survival, was sickening."

Mr Boyle's partner of 22 years, Carole, said he enjoyed a successful career in printing before drink took hold of his life as a result of a difficult childhood.

"He was deeply loved by everyone who was part of his life and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends," she said.