A coin enthusiast has been told he faces life in prison after being convicted of murdering a fellow collector for his limited-edition Beatrix Potter 50 pence range.
Danny Bostock stabbed Gordon McGhee 17 times across his face, neck and body after being disturbed trying to steal the rare coins.
The 33-year-old launched the frenzied attack in his victim’s own home, in Colchester, when he was discovered there searching for the collectables.
He then left the flat’s gas cooker on and lit a dishcloth in the hope of blowing up the scene of his crime.
He was found guilty of murdering the 52-year-old and of attempted arson at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday.
Judge David Goodin said: “Any murder is horrific – this one extremely so and, as a matter of law, a life sentence must follow.”
During the three-week trial, the court heard Mr McGee had offered Bostock – a convicted rapist – some of his spare collectables in the weeks before he was killed in August last year.
But, despite the offer, after a night of drinking, the killer attempted to burgle Mr McGee’s home, in the town’s Forest Road, while the enthusiast was out.
When his victim arrived home, Bostock repeatedly knifed him.
The majority of Mr McGhee’s coin collection, the murder weapon and the clothes worn by the killer have never been found. But police were able to close in on Bostock through trainer prints left in blood at the scene.
Officer’s also discovered his DNA on the burnt dishcloth.
His defence that he had been framed for the murder by another collector failed to convince jurors.
Following the hearing, Mr McGee’s family described him as “a kind-hearted, gentle” father.
In a statement, they said: “He was thoughtful, supportive, encouraging and a whole heap of fun and laughter.
“As a partner and friend he was loyal, generous, empathetic and witty.
“He found joy in a variety of things from his coins to playing chess and watching films.”
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Truss, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “I don’t believe that Bostock shows any remorse at all for taking Mr McGhee’s life.
“His continued lies, including trying to pin the murder on an innocent man and his denial of owning the trainers that we knew were key to this investigation, show that.
“His attack on Mr McGhee was senseless and brutal. He is an incredibly dangerous man and I hope he is sent to prison for a long time.”
Bostock, of Berberis Walk, Colchester, will be sentenced at the same court on 19 March.
Additional reporting by SWNS
