A 63-year-old grandad was battered to death with a hammer after a bitter dispute over money in Brentwood. Jason Moore, 39, has now been convicted of manslaughter.

Fatal fight on Ingrave Road

The horrific attack happened last September 12 when Francis Reilly visited Moore’s home on Ingrave Road. A heated argument erupted over an unpaid debt.

Moore violently slammed Francis against a wall before hammering him repeatedly, causing fatal injuries. Despite the brutal assault, Francis managed to drag himself out of the flat.

Chased and caught outside

But Moore didn’t stop there. He pursued Francis outside, where a taxi driver witnessed the chase and called for help. Two Essex Police officers on patrol were flagged down, but it was too late.

Francis was pronounced dead at the scene.

Justice after drawn-out court battle

Moore was initially charged with murder and claimed self-defence. However, a jury at Basildon Crown Court couldn’t reach a verdict. On October 6, Moore surprised the court by admitting manslaughter. His plea was accepted, and sentencing is due later this month.

“Mr Reilly was killed in an utterly senseless act of violence,” said Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell. “Moore was a drug user who regularly accrued debts with friends and acquaintances to feed his habit. When Mr Reilly visited him to remonstrate over an unpaid debt, Moore unleashed a vicious and sustained assault.”

She added: “Moore has rightly been convicted and I hope this provides some closure for his family and loved ones.”