Towpath killer gets life

A MAN who attacked a towpath walker after being refused a cigarette,  then battered him to death, has been given a life sentence.

Matthew McKay, pictured, stopped fellow towpath walker, John Crabtree on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Blackburn asking for a cigarette, and when told he hadn't any went into hysterics punching him to the ground then kicking and stamping him to death, Alan Tilbury reports.

Fatal injury

This happened near the Moorings pub on the waterway, with the victim suffering a fatal brain injury in the unprovoked attack.

Matthew McKay, aged 21, of  Blackburn, was told he would serve at least 18 years in prison for murdering 40 years old John Crabtree, with the jury returning a unanimous verdict of murder.

The attack happened shortly after 8pm on the 12th  September 2009 on the canal towpath near Bridge 99.

Pleased with sentence

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Des Coop recounted:

"I am very pleased with the sentence passed today, it takes account of how violent and sustained the assault was. It was a completely unprovoked attack on a vulnerable individual who did not pose a threat to anyone. McKay left his victim for dead and has shown absolutely no remorse."