Man, 18, convicted of murdering gay pensioner
An 18-year-old man has been convicted of murdering a gay pensioner.
Aiden Jackson, of Sleaford, Lincolnshire, faces a life sentence for the killing of 67-year-old David Cowley.
A trial at Lincoln crown court heard he promised the older man sex but strangled him and left his body lying face-down in water.
Mr Cowley’s body was found on November 17th 2010 at a remote spot at Ballast Pits off Mareham Lane.
He had been beaten and suffocated.
Jackson told Lincoln crown court that Mr Cowley had offered him money for sex the previous evening, which “shocked” him.
But he admitted going to meet the older man the next day to be driven to the remote spot.
Jackson claimed he lashed out when the older man made sexual advances to him and alleged another teenager had helped him kill the pensioner but the prosecution said Jackson had acted alone.
The teenager, who pleaded not guilty to murder, will be sentenced next month.
Following yesterday’s hearing, Det Supt Stuart Morrison said: “This was a difficult case not made any easier by the various different versions of events that we were given over time. Each different version had to be thoroughly investigated.
“I can say that I was satisfied all along that the fatal assault on David Cowley was carried out by Aiden Jackson and no-one else.
“We have spoken to Mr Cowley’s family and they are pleased with the verdict. I think they see it as an opportunity to try to move on with their lives.
“Aiden Jackson is a young man, his actions have not only led to the death of Mr Cowley and affected his family and friends but they have also ruined his life and devastated his family too. I see no reason to celebrate anything today.”
