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A man has been jailed for life after murdering a pensioner. Vasile Culea tied up and “brutally assaulted” an 86-year-old woman in her own home while trying to steal thousands of pounds in cash.

Kenneth and Freda Walker had shared their home on Station Road in Derbyshire for more than 60 years.

A statement from Derbyshire Police reported that Culea decided to break into the residence after “he had heard the couple had a significant amount of money in the home”.

Some reports put the amount at £30,000.

During a bungled burglary attempt, the couple “either could not, or would not” give Culea the money, according to the police.

The 34-year-old Romanian national responded by binding the hands and feet of the two pensioners and even placing bags over Freda’s head.

After – in Derbyshire Police’s terms – “brutally” assaulting the couple, he was captured on CCTV “calmly” walking away from the scene.

A concerned neighbour the next day found Kenneth in a “critical condition” and Freda dead.

Police found Culea’s DNA on a cap inside the Walker’s house and arrested the man on January 20 at his home in Church Warsop.

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Footage earlier in the day of the attack also showed him gambling in a bookmakers.

He is understood to have been £11,000 in debt.

On Culea’s conviction, Derbyshire Police said: “The case built by the detectives in the Major Crime Unit meant that Culea had no other choice to admit his presence in the house – but he denied he intended to kill the couple.

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“The jury of 11 men and one woman sitting at Derby Crown Court did not believe him, finding him guilty of Freda’s murder.

“On the charge of the attempted murder of Kenneth the jury found him not guilty – but did find him guilty of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent.”

He has been sentenced to 34 years’ imprisonment.

Temporary Detective Inspector Carolyne Van Schaick, who helped to lead the investigation into the attacks, said: “While today’s sentencing can never reverse Culea’s actions I hope it provides some degree of closure for Freda and Ken’s family and friends.

“His actions have devastated an entire community and, while Ken may have survived the attack, he had lost his wife and lived out his remaining days requiring constant care before he sadly passed away shortly before this case was due to be heard.

“I would like to once again thank the family of both Ken and Freda who have shown immense courage throughout what has been such a difficult time, as well as the community of Shirebrook who have supported each other, and this investigation, throughout.”

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