A man who admitted murdering a convicted child sex offender has been jailed for life, three years after he attacked the OAP in his home.
John Coxon, who had several convictions for child sexual offences and served a year in prison in 2016, sustained a head injury in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, in January 12, 2022. Police were called to 76-year-old Mr Coxon’s home and he was taken to hospital, where he remained until he died on March 22 the same year.
Anthony Gardiner, 66, was initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, but following the death, a murder investigation was launched and Gardiner was re-arrested. During a hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday, December 2024, Gardiner pleaded guilty to murder.
John Coxon was murdered
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Image:
Gloucestershire Constabulary / S SWNS)
Anthony Gardiner pleaded guilty
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Image:
Western Daily Press)
Following the sentencing, Det Insp Adam Stacey said Gardiner had “exploited Mr Coxon for money” and later attacked him inside his own home, leaving him injured on the floor. He has now admitted his actions and has been sentenced for them, and he will spend a lengthy amount of time behind bars.”
Following the plea hearing, Detective InspectorStacey said: “Gardiner was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after he had assaulted Mr Coxon at his home address. When he died in hospital months later, we launched a murder investigation and then re-arrested Gardiner. I welcome his guilty plea which means Mr Coxon’s family do not have to go through the process of a trial.”
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