DRUG ADDICT JAILED FOR KILLING ELDERLY NEIGHBOUR DURING BURGLARY
1997: Naresh Bavabhai, aged 28, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after admitting to the manslaughter of pensioner Kenneth Horrocks during a burglary.The case was heard at Manchester Crown Court, where it was revealed that Bavabhai, motivated by a desire to fund his amphetamine addiction, targeted his neighbor, Mr.
Horrocks, a 68-year-old man who was living alone after recent release into the community.
Two months prior to the incident, Bavabhai had broken into Mr.
Horrocks' flat in Cromford Close, Bolton, stealing his building society passbook and later withdrawing more than £4,000 from the account.
During the attack, Mr.
Horrocks was suffocated with a pillow, though medical reports suggested he might have died from an unexpected heart attack, making it hard to establish Bavabhai’s intent to murder.
Bavabhai admitted to manslaughter and was also recognized as a mental patient.
His first break-in at Mr.
Horrocks' home occurred in September, and after being released on bail, he re-entered the property, during which he struggled with the pensioner and covered his face with a pillow.
Once he realized Mr.
Horrocks was deceased, Bavabhai tried to simulate a suicide by placing pills into the old man's mouth.
He also attempted to withdraw £7,000 from the victim’s bank accounts but was arrested and later confessed that he had smothered Mr.
Horrocks to silence him.
The defense’s position was that Bavabhai did not intend to kill but committed the thefts to support his drug addiction.
The judge called the offenses 'grave', emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim.
Detective Inspector Graham Ball expressed approval of the sentence, commenting, 'We are very pleased with the sentence.
I think justice has been done.'
