Stroud man admits murdering 76-year-old two years after grievous bodily harm arrest

A man has admitted murdering a 76-year-old in Gloucestershire nearly two years ago.

Anthony Gardiner, 66 and of Daniels Road in Stroud, attacked John Coxon at his home in Stonehouse in January 2022.

Police were called to the scene on Park Road to reports that Mr Coxon had sustained a head injury.

He was taken to hospital, where he remained for several months until he died on 25 March.

Gardiner was initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Following the death of Mr Coxon, a murder investigation was launched and Gardiner was re-arrested.

During a hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday 12 December, Gardiner pleaded guilty to murder.

Following the hearing, Detective Inspector Adam Stacey said: "Gardiner was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after he had assaulted Mr Coxon at his home address.

"When he died in hospital months later, we launched a murder investigation and then re-arrested Gardiner.

"I welcome his guilty plea which means Mr Coxon's family do not have to go through the process of a trial."