A man who murdered his housemate in a drink and drug – fuelled attack has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Daniel Eckersall, 32, was found guilty robbing and murdering Eric Caddick, 61, at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, and will serve a minimum of 18 years.
Daniel and Eric had an argument following a night of drinking at their home address on Withington Lane, Wigan.
During the argument, initiator Eckersall, lashed out at Eric and repeatedly stamped on him, leaving him in a heap on the ground.
Eckersall left Eric lying on the ground for nine hours, during which he stole £800 from Erics bank account for drink and drugs, before calling from an ambulance from a nearby phone box.
Eric sadly died on Sunday March 13 2016 at Wigan hospital.
Prior to his arrest for murder, Eckersall recalled to friends how he had been drinking heavily and taken cocaine on the night he assaulted the 61 – year – old.
Paying tribute, Erics family said: “Eric was much loved by all his family and friends.
“He was taken from us in March following a terrible attack on him in November last year. He was attacked in completely unnecessary circumstances. We cannot express how devastated we are that his life has been stolen from him.
“Eric is missed every minute of every day. He was vulnerable and preyed upon by people he thought were his friends.
“Today the man responsible has been sentenced, and justice has been served.
“On behalf of the family, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Greater Manchester Police, and the Crown Prosecution Service for their continued support and professionalism in this matter.”
Detective Sergeant Nigel Rigby from GMP’s Wigan borough said: “Although it won’t bring Eric back, I hope the sentence passed here today will help them begin to rebuild their lives following their devastating loss.”
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