A coin collector who stabbed a fellow enthusiast to death - allegedly to steal his collection - has been jailed for life.
Danny Bostock, 33, knifed Gordon McGhee 17 times in his flat then tried to cause a gas explosion to destroy evidence, a hearing at Ipswich Crown Court was told.
Bostock, of Colchester, denied murder but was found guilty after a three-week trial, Essex Police said.
He was also found guilty of attempted arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, the force said.
Today Bostock has been jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years.
Judge David Goodin described the killing which included a cut to Mr McGhee's throat as "savage" and "murder most foul".
Prosecutors said Bostock stole coins from Mr McGhee's collection, which included limited edition Beatrix Potter 50p pieces, and added that the missing items have not been recovered.
Mr McGhee, 52, was found dead in the bedroom of his Colchester flat on August 22 last year, the court heard.
Coin enthusiast GUILTY of murdering fellow collector for rare Beatrix Potter 50p
The gas cooker had been left on and a half-burnt dishcloth was left in the hallway.
Police said DNA on the dishcloth matched Bostock's, and that trainer prints at the scene were linked to him.
His DNA was also found on a ripped package used to store Mr McGhee's collectable coins, a large quantity of which were missing.
The court heard Bostock was a collector of limited edition 50ps including Beatrix Potter coins.
He had got to know Mr McGhee through a mutual friend and knew he was also a coin enthusiastic and had seen - and even been offered spares - from his impressive coin collection.
The majority of Mr McGhee's coin collection, the murder weapon and the clothes Bostock was wearing that night have never been found.
But Mr McGhee's blood was found on his bike and footprints of trainers Bostock had on were traipsed around the flat.
Judge Goodin said Bostock will serve a minimum of 30 years minus the 211 days he has already spent in custody.
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Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Truss, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "My thoughts are with Mr McGhee's family and friends at this difficult time.
"Gordon McGhee, by all accounts, was a well-liked man and his death was a great shock to everyone."
He said that Bostock's attack was "senseless and brutal".
Mr McGhee's family described the victim as a "kind-hearted, gentle soul", adding: "He found joy in a variety of things, from his coins to playing chess and watching films."
