Labradoodle thief jailed for Donald Patience strangle murder

Killer Ian Connell was found outside his victim's home with his white dog Layla

A drug addict who strangled a dog owner and then stole his pet labradoodle has been jailed for his murder.

Donald Prentice Patience, 45, was found dead wrapped in a duvet at his home in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, on 22 August last year.

Ian Connell, 39, had strangled him in a "fit of rage" after he refused to give him more money for drugs, Manchester Crown Court heard.

Connell, of Bolton, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 19 years.

The court heard he had returned to Mr Patience's home on Ainsworth Road while he lay decomposing and took his dog, Layla.

When caught by police with the dog, he claimed Mr Patience, who he described as a "dear friend", was away in Scotland and he had given him permission by phone to force entry because he needed his dog walking.

The court heard Connell "shamelessly exploited" the generosity of Mr Patience, who was also known as Prent, to feed his heroin and crack cocaine habit.

Jurors were told by a pathologist that Mr Patience was probably strangled on 20 August.

Donald Prentice Patience was found at the bottom of his stairs

Michael Hayton KC, prosecuting, said Connell preyed on the good nature of Mr Patience, who had access to cash from family property.

He said the defendant used him as an "open wallet", receiving thousands of pounds since they first met.

He was found guilty of his murder on 29 February after a trial.

On sentencing, the judge told Connell: "As you demonstrated during the course of your trial you are a man capable of a sudden flash of temper.

"I am satisfied that having come to rely upon Mr Patience's funding of your addiction, you had become increasingly angry and frustrated at his unwillingness to lend you money as and when you required it."

"You strangled Mr Patience in a fit of rage," Mrs Justice Ellenbogen added.

She said Connell had "shamelessly" taken advantage of Mr Patience's "desire for company and friendship" and had "shown no remorse".

'Kind and generous'

The court heard that Connell continued to protest his innocence.

Mr Patience's ex-wife Kirsty Banks said he had left the family home and moved into the couple's previous address in Ainsworth Road, which they had been renting out.

Ms Banks said her ex-husband began "hanging around" with a "dodgy" former tenant who had introduced him to Connell.

Speaking on behalf of his family, Mr Patience's sister-in-law, Julie Patience, told the court: "He was a greatly loved father, son and brother who was tragically taken away too soon.

"Ian Connell used our brother to feed his drug habit with no regard to Prent's feelings.

"His three children are heartbroken and he will never see them grow up."

Mr Patience was "one of the most kindest and generous people I know", she said, adding that "this kindness has ended in tragedy from a senseless act".