Man jailed for at least 30 years for murder of elderly relative at home in Aldham

A man who murdered an elderly relative and stole property from his home in Aldham has been jailed for a minimum of 30 years.

Leighton Snook, of Albrighton Croft in Colchester, was handed a life sentence at Ipswich Crown Court, following his conviction in August for the murder of 83-year-old Donald Ralph on December 28.

His teenage accomplice, Tyler Love, of Darien Way in Braunstone, received an eight-year jail term.

Snook, 28, had contacted Mr Ralph in the days and weeks prior, seeking money to pay off a debt he owed to drug dealers.

He then travelled to Mr Ralph’s home with his 17-year-old accomplice, before he beat and strangled the victim to death.

The pair stole his car and two firearms, and drove to Hastings.

Mr Ralph’s niece Tina discovered his body and alerted police, who then tracked down and arrested both Snook and Love within three days.

During their trial, the jury saw CCTV footage from the day that showed the pair walking to Mr Ralph’s address and then driving back to Colchester in his car.

DNA evidence from Snook was also found on Mr Ralph’s body, while a knife found inside the stolen car had DNA of both men.

Following their sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Leighton Snook and his teenage accomplice went to Donald Ralph’s house intent on stealing from him for their own gain.

“Their greed and selfish intentions have robbed Donald’s family and friends of someone who was much loved within his community.

“No sentence will be able to bring him back, but I hope this sentence represents justice for them.”