Paul May death: Life sentence for murderer of Southend artist

A man has been jailed for a minimum of 18 years for the "brutal" murder of an artist who was found dead in his flat by his landlord.

Paul May, 46, from Great Wakering, was found bludgeoned to death at his home on London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, in Essex, on 13 February.

Abir Miah, 45, also of London Road in Westcliff, was found guilty of murder and given a life sentence.

Police believe the victim may have been involved in "low-level" drug dealing.

The Essex force said the flat's landlord called at about 13:20 GMT and saw what he believed to be a fake hand under a blanket, but when he pulled it back, he discovered the body.

Forensic examinations found Mr May had suffered a frenzied attack with a weapon which a pathologist believed was a hammer, or similar, said police.

Officers established Mr May had been coming and going from the flat in the two days prior to his death, and may have been involved in drug-running or "low level" dealing.

They believed Mr May and Miah had been alone in the flat for a 24-hour period until 05:00 on 13 February when Miah left, and took a train to London.

He was arrested two days later, and in his belongings officers found a claw hammer and a kitchen knife.

Blood on the hammer and clothing matched Mr May, and DNA on the hammer was a match to Miah.

The sentencing followed a seven-day trial at Basildon Crown Court.

Det Ch Insp Louise Metcalfe said it had been an "horrific, frenzied, and brutal attack".

"Abir Miah has robbed Paul's family of his humour, his wit, and his creativity," she said.

Mr May's family said he had been commissioned by train company C2C to provide artwork on boards outside Southend East railway station in 2013.

"He was really proud of that and knowing that his work brightens up people's days as they head to work is a comfort to us," they said.

Speaking after the sentencing, they added: "Paul had great potential and capability, much more than many people realised.

"A life is the most important thing we have, it is precious and we should all feel the gravity of the situation when a life is taken.

"We feel grateful and relieved that the murderer has been brought to justice."

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email [email protected]