A 26-year-old man has been jailed for life for the murder of a man battered to death in his own home.
A jury at Liverpool Crown Court took less than an hour to find John Hodson guilty of the murder of David Gard.
The 64-year-old, who was deaf and had learning difficulties suffered multiple fractures as he was battered to death by intruders in Kensington, Liverpool.
Hodson, of Crocus Street, Everton, must serve a minimum of 32 years before he will be eligible for parole.
Gratuitous violence
He had claimed he was just a lookout for the men who entered the house, but was arrested wearing trousers stained with Mr Gard's blood, the court heard.
Judge Henry Globe QC, the recorder of Liverpool, said the victim had suffered so many fractures to his face and head that it was impossible to count them.
After the intruders broke into his home on Adelaide Road on 13 March 2008 they deliberately started fires to cover their tracks.
Firefighters pulled Mr Gard from the building and he was taken to hospital, but later died from his head injuries.
Merseyside Police described the level of violence used as "unnecessary, senseless and gratuitous"
The bbc 
