Defendant found guilty of murder in Worthing

A defendant has been found guilty of the murder of a pensioner in his home in Worthing.

Sukhkit Bains, 46, stabbed his acquaintance Michael Martin, 72, in a sustained attack inside an address in St Botolph’s Road in March.

He was later arrested at an address in Crawley and was charged with murder.

Bains, also known as Sukhjit Bains, of Brighton Road, Southgate, stood trial at Isleworth Crown Court, where he was found guilty of murder by the jury on Tuesday, October 29.

The court heard how Mr Martin had been found by a family member at his address at 6.30pm on March 22 this year.

He had sustained stab wounds and assault injuries, and was sadly pronounced deceased.

Bains had made efforts to conceal his crime inside the address, including wiping clean a knife, turning over a blood-stained rug, and putting his own blood-stained clothing in the washing machine.

In a statement following the verdict, Mr Martin’s family said he was a loving and dedicated dad and grandad.

They said: “He always had time for people, found solace in making friends, and would do anything to help anyone.

“We had the best dad in the world. He was our hero and he taught us to love, to be kind, and to always look after each other.

“There are simply no words to describe the level of pain and loss we continue to feel.”

They said the crime has left them to navigate “immense feelings of devastation and grief".

The family added: “Our dad met a violent predator that preyed on the vulnerable. He has taken away the last precious years we had with our dad and grandad.

“This act is something we will never be able to comprehend or forgive."

Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “This was a distressing case, and our thoughts continue to be with the family and loved-ones of Mr Martin.

“Bains carried out a sustained and violent attack upon him in his home.

“We were determined to get answers for Mr Martin’s family and to ensure that Bains was brought to justice.

“I would like to say thank you to the witnesses who have come forward and to the public for supporting our complex investigation.

“We are pleased that the jury has found Bains guilty of this crime, and he now faces sentencing.”

Bains now faces sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court on November 1.