'My dad was a wonderful human' - Family of murdered Wolverhampton great-grandfather pay tribute as killer found guilty
The family of Wolverhampton great-grandfather Harold Monk have paid tribute to him after jury convicts burglar of murder.
Paul Topham was convicted of murder this afternoon at Wolverhampton Crown Court in front of a packed public gallery full of Harold Monk's relatives.
After Topham was sent down, facing 30 years in prison when sentenced, his victim's family released an emotional tribute.
His daughter Patricia said: "Harold, my dad, was a wonderful human being who was loved dearly by his family and we think about him with sadness every day.
"We miss his quirky sense of humour and his huge presence. We miss witnessing the fulfilment he found in everyday life even at 94 years old and he loved to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow."
Mr Monk left the key to his flat dangling out of the lock last October, Topham, who had been visiting his mother at Inglewood Court, Bradmore, stole it and returned for a botched burglary days later.
Awoken by the masked intruder Harry was quickly pinned down and suffered fractures to his face, skull, spine and ribs in the attack. He told detectives from his deathbed he was 'too weak' to fight back and died the following night surrounded by his family.
Meanwhile, Topham, 45 of Palmerton Road, Birmingham but originally from Wolverhampton, failed to escape responding police who had been called by a neighbour who confronted him in Mr Monk's flat.
Detective Inspector Phil Poole, from our Homicide Unit, said: "Throughout this investigation our thoughts have been with Mr Monk's family and we dearly hope that this conviction can ease some of the pain and sadness which they continue to endure.
"Mr Monk had every right to be safe in his own home and this was cruelly shattered by an appalling attack which stole a beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather from his loving family.
"Our teams worked tirelessly to bring that attacker before the courts and he has now been convicted of this brutal murder."
Topham, who admitted manslaughter but denied murder, will be sentenced for murder on August 29.
