Man who murdered 96-year-old grandmother to pay off debts jailed

A man has today been jailed for a minimum of 26 years following the murder of his 96-year-old grandmother, committed in a calculated attempt to obtain financial benefit. 

Joshua Powell, 27, of Lindford, was sentenced today (14 November 2025) at Portsmouth Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to the murder of Emma Finch.

In the early hours of 17 May 2024, fire crews were called to Mrs Finch’s home after a carbon monoxide alarm triggered an automatic alert. They forced their way in and found a fire coming from the back bedroom.

The post-mortem examination concluded that Mrs Finch had been killed by being strangled. Powell then set fire to her bed on which she lay to try to cover his tracks.

Marie Watton, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Joshua Powell mercilessly strangled his 96-year-old grandmother to gain inheritance money and pay off his debts. 

“We built a strong and compelling case against Powell, using phone data, CCTV, ANPR and forensic evidence which resulted in him pleading guilty.

“Powell’s actions stole Emma Finch’s final years and caused deep anguish to her loved ones. Our thoughts and condolences remain with the family at this exceptionally difficult time.”

Building the case

Prosecutors were able to build a compelling case against Powell, working in close collaboration with Hampshire Police to establish his motive. 

CCTV evidence showed Powell leaving his flat with a belt, which he later discarded in bushes nearby.

On the day of Mrs Finch’s death, both doors were locked, forcing the fire service to break in. The back door key safe was found open with the key missing. Powell falsely claimed ignorance of the code, but analysis of his phone revealed the code was noted a month before the killing.

Powell switched off the location finder on his phone, but police were able to track his movements in his car via ANPR cameras.

Shortly after 5am, an hour after the killing, phone data revealed a Snapchat message to his friend, telling her he had a nightmare about killing his nan.

In the weeks leading up to Mrs Finch’s death, Powell told friends he “hoped his nan died soon because he was skint” and that he thought he was the only one to receive money in her will. He also spoke to a colleague, on the day of her death, about the prospect of his inheritance, and how much he understood Mrs Finch’s estate to be worth.

Powell’s motive of financial gain was driven by significant debts. Evidence showed arrears of £2,550 owed to his landlord, prompting debt collection, and additional liabilities of approximately £8,000 to various companies, with repeated failure to respond to letters.