Three guilty of killing Nuneaton man before stealing bank cards

THREE men have been found guilty of killing a Nuneaton man before stealing his bank cards as he lay dying on the floor.

On September 3, police were called after Mark Hoverd was brought into hospital with several injuries including a serious head injury, and he died later that day.

An investigation into the 57-year-old’s death saw officers quickly identify three potential suspects – Francis Olner, 36, Aleksandrs Gudkovs, 43, and Stuart Grant, 42.

After trawling thousands of hours of CCTV the team were able to show the trio had gone to James Diskin Court in the early hours of the morning.

Mark was viciously attacked in his own home and left for dead, and the men stole his bank cards before using them shortly afterwards to withdraw money from nearby cashpoints.

When arrested, the three men gave conflicting stories – blaming one another and claiming they hadn’t been inside Mark’s flat.

However, the trio were later charged.

Olner, of Manor Court Road, Nuneaton, and Grant, of no fixed abode, were charged with murder, conspiracy to commit robbery and five counts of fraud by false representation.

Gudkovs, formerly of Coton Road, Nuneaton was charged with the same offences as well as possessing a knife in a public place.

Following a three-week trial at Coventry Crown Court today (Tuesday), Olner was found guilty of murder.

Gudkovs and Grant, who had both previously admitted the fraud offences, were found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.

All three were found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery.

They will be sentenced at the same court tomorrow (Wednesday).

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Ch Insp Collette O’Keefe said: “This was a horrendously senseless and violent assault on a vulnerable man.

“Even now it’s not truly clear why they chose to set on Mark in his home – beating him savagely and leaving him for dead.

“To then have the temerity to take his bank cards and withdraw cash makes what was already a heinous crime even more reprehensible.

“Not only was the attack pre-meditated, ultimately, it resulted in them taking the life of a vulnerable man, which is utterly devastating for Mark’s family.

“Mark did nothing to deserve this and none of the defendants have taken any responsibility nor have they shown any remorse since it happened.

“I’m delighted with today’s outcome and the fact the jury saw through the lies of Olner, Gudkovs, and Grant.

“Their act of extreme violence will have devastating long-term consequences for Mark’s family and partner, and our thoughts remain with them at this challenging time.

“I hope this verdict brings them some comfort as they continue to come to terms with their tragic loss.

“Finally, I would like to thank the investigation team for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism throughout what has been an incredibly difficult case.

“It has been a tremendous team effort – spanning multiple departments and specialisms – each of whom played a key part.

“It is largely due to their efforts – spending days painstakingly securing evidence – that three dangerous offenders are now off the streets and facing a lengthy stretch in jail.”