Southend man convicted of mother’s murder after setting her home on fire and leaving to buy a milkshake

SOUTHEND MAN CONVICTED OF MOTHER’S MURDER AFTER SETTING HER HOME ON FIRE AND LEAVING TO BUY A MILKSHAKE

Andrew Wilding, aged 42, has been convicted of murdering his mother Elsie Pinder, who was confined to bed due to a disability.

Wilding was responsible for igniting a fire in their shared residence in Southend before leaving the scene in the early hours of July 3rd.

Following the fire, he went to purchase a milkshake.

During the incident, Elsie was found lying in bed, calling for her son as the flames consumed the flat.

At Basildon Crown Court, Wilding was found guilty of both murder and arson with the intention of endangering lives, given the presence of residents in the flats above.

The investigation uncovered that Wilding, who had been the only caregiver for his mother and was initially treated as a witness, had left the property after conducting internet searches related to fires, arsons, murders, and batteries involved in fires.

The searches also included topics about inheritance payouts and the life expectancy of stroke victims, with the last search on June 30th specifically about arson involving batteries.

It was noted that Wilding was aware his actions could jeopardize the lives of neighbors.

Police described the case as among the most complex investigations in Essex.

Wilding's sentencing is scheduled for the following Friday.