Man jailed for life for murdering drinking pal Darren Leach in Leeds flat
A man has been jailed for life after being convicted of the murder of Darren Leach in Leeds.
William Joyce was found guilty last Friday (November 7) of murdering 53-year-old Darren Leach after going to his home to look for cigarettes, alcohol, or money.
Joyce, 38, of Woodview Terrace in Beeston, was found unanimously guilty of the murder as well as theft following a trial at Leeds Crown Court.
He appeared before the court again today (November 12), where he was sentenced to life in jail with a minimum term of 25 years.
Joyce was caught on CCTV leaving Mr Leach’s home on Marston Grove in the Beeston area hours before his body was found on March 19 of this year, having bullied Mr Leach for money in the days leading up to the killing.
Detectives investigating his death found Joyce’s fingerprints on a beer can, while camera footage showed him carrying Mr Leach’s TV in a bag.
Mr Leach’s body had been found by friends in his house on the morning of March 19. He was found next to a smouldering sofa, but it is not known if the blaze was sparked intentionally.
Pathology reports initially suggested Mr Leach, who was a heavy drinker, died from smoke inhalation caused by the burning sofa after he possibly fell asleep drunk.
But further investigation revealed that he had suffered significant injuries before his death, including a broken neck and voice box and abrasions to his eye and face.
His cause of death was later recorded to be a “degree” of carbon monoxide, the assault he sustained, and the amount of alcohol in his system.
Prosecutor David Brooke KC said Mr Leach would regularly drink with friends in Cross Flatts Park, a short distance from his house.
CCTV recovered showed 38-year-old William Joyce - also known locally as “Irish” - talking with Mr Leach outside Mr Leach’s home shortly before 5pm on March 18.
They both went inside with Joyce emerging about an hour later carrying a yellow bag that contained Mr Leach’s 22-inch TV.
No one else was seen entering the house after Joyce left.
The court heard that Mr Leach had confided in a friend on the afternoon of March 18 that he was being picked on for money, and when asked, he said it was Irish (Joyce) who was badgering him.
The court heard that Joyce had punched Mr Leach on a previous occasion.
The witness said Mr Leach had a large bundle of cash on him the days before his death, which has never been found.
Joyce was later arrested and gave a no-comment interview to police.