Killer sentenced for murdering 94-year-old great-grandfather during vicious burglary

A man who subjected a 94-year-old great-grandfather to a fatal beating during a burglary has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 33 years minus term served on remand after the CPS was able to use his dying words as evidence against his killer.

Paul Topham, 45, of Palmerston Road, Birmingham was sentenced today (11 September 2025) at Wolverhampton Crown Court following his conviction for the murder of Harold Monk.

The elderly victim died from his injuries after Topham broke into his sheltered housing flat and subjected him to a brutal beating when confronted.

The attack occurred in the early hours of 3 October 2024 when Topham entered Mr Monk's home in Bradmore. When Mr Monk, who was in pyjamas, asked what he was doing, Topham pushed him to the floor without saying a word. He then straddled the pensioner and launched a prolonged assault.

The savage attack left Mr Monk with extensive bruising, multiple rib fractures, spinal fractures, facial injuries and a brain haemorrhage. He died from his injuries on 4 October 2024 but was able to give police an account of his ordeal from his hospital bed before his death.

Topham had initially pleaded guilty to burglary and manslaughter, but the Crown Prosecution Service rejected the manslaughter plea. The case proceeded to trial where he was convicted of murder after the prosecution was able to prove that Topham either intended to kill Mr Monk or at the very least cause him grievous bodily harm.

Jonathan Roe, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "This was an utterly callous and senseless crime that robbed Harold Monk of his final years and caused immeasurable pain to his loved ones. Paul Topham showed no mercy as he brutally attacked a defenceless 94-year-old man in his own home where he should have felt safest.

"Mr Monk's courage in providing testimony despite his traumatic injuries was crucial in bringing Topham to justice.

"The sentence handed down today reflects the gravity of this heinous act and sends a message that those who commit these despicable crimes should expect to face the full consequences of their actions.

"Our thoughts remain with Mr Monk's family at this time."