Essex Man Found Guilty Of Murdering Step-Grandad

28 July 2017, 17:07 | Updated: 28 July 2017, 17:11

A man has been found guilty of murdering his 78-year-old step-grandfather.

Michael McDonald, 25, of Tennyson Road, Chelmsford, had previously admitted the manslaughter of Brian Hurry but a jury found him guilty of murder today, Friday July 28, following a five-week trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.

McDonald was on trial alongside his mother Terri Hurry, 42, of Spring Rise, Galleywood, who was found guilty of perverting the course of justice.

The court heard how Mr Hurry died after being struck on the head with a metal bar by McDonald after seeing his mother appearing to be having sex with her father in law, Brian.

McDonald said this event led him to lose control and attack Mr Hurry at his home in Bramwoods Road, Galleywood, in June 2016.

McDonald lured him into the bathroom where he hit him numerous times around the head with the metal bar of a dumbbell.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said:

“This was an appalling attack committed by a trusted family member on a vulnerable elderly man his own home.

“The jury has seen through the web of lies and excuses provided by Michael McDonald and convicted him of murder.

“They were also satisfied that Terri Hurry was guilty of perverting the course of justice.

“My thoughts are very much with Mr Hurry’s family and friends.

“I hope that today’s verdict brings a difficult chapter to a close and they can start the process of moving forward.”

Anna Blackwell, 21, of Tennyson Road, Chelmsford, previously admitted a charge or perverting the course of justice and will be sentenced alongside McDonald and Hurry on Tuesday, August 1.