A DRUG addict and self-confessed burglar and robber will spend a minimum of 32 years in prison after he tied up, gagged and murdered a 62-year-old alcoholic in his Northamptonshire home.
Phillip Haslam, 36, was unanimously convicted at Northampton Crown Court of murdering John Kiernan in Havelock Street, Kettering, whose decomposing body was found “hog-tied” when police broke in on October 1.
Haslam was today sentenced to 12 years for robbery, 40 months for two burglaries and life with a minimum of 32 years for murder.
Christine Windle, 36, Haslam’s partner, was sentenced to six years for robbery with two years consecutive for handling stolen goods, taken from Kiernan.
Haslam will be 68 before he can apply for parole. Mr Justice Henriques said: “Your behaviour was brutal, merciless and wicked.”
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Woliter, who led the investigation, said: “Mr Kiernan was a vulnerable and lonely man who was targeted by Phillip Haslam in August and September 2011, repeatedly burgling his house. He used fear and violence to steal money from Mr Kiernan to fund his spiralling drug and alcohol habit.
“On September 19, 2011, when Mr Kiernan tried to resist Phillip Haslam’s demands and threats, he was ultimately subjected to a brutal and savage attack where he was tied up and beaten to death.
“I welcome today’s sentence which resulted in Phillip Haslam being sentenced to life imprisonment.
“My thoughts are with Mr Kiernan’s family during what has been a difficult year. Whilst horrendous cases like this are rare, the sentence today shows that those who commit crime will be bought to justice.”