Killer who confessed to Kensington murder 42 years later is given life sentence

A man who walked into a police station and confessed to a murder which happened more than 40 years ago has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 19 years.

John Paul, 61, of Ladbroke Grove, Kensington was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, having previously been found guilty of the murder of Anthony Bird.

Anthony – known to his family as Tony – was found dead at his home in Kensington Gardens Square, in June 1980, after concerns were raised by his employer when he failed to turn up for work. He was 41.

When officers discovered Tony’s body, it was bound with electrical cable with visible marks and bruises. His flat had been ransacked and electrical items and alcohol had been stolen.

A murder investigation was launched and extensive enquiries were conducted, including forensics examinations.

Officers spoke to neighbours and those who knew Tony. However, by 1981 these enquiries had been exhausted, with no evidence to identify the suspect coming to light.

While the case was regularly reviewed, Tony’s murder remained unsolved for 41 years.

That was until May 5, 2021, when Paul walked into Hammersmith Police Station and confessed. He was arrested and later charged. Despite his confession, he pleaded not guilty and went on to stand trial at the Old Bailey.

He was convicted by a jury of murder on October 24, and sentenced at the same court.

A family spokesman said: “We came to terms with Tony’s death many years ago but we’re pleased that after 42 years, his killer has come forward and has been convicted.

“Sadly, his brother died last year and was therefore unable to take comfort from the closure that the court case has brought.”

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Reeves said: “Paul’s actions in 1980 led to the needless death of a man who had his whole life ahead of him.

“The murder of Tony had been under regular review and although we had never given up on solving the case, the unexpected actions of Paul in May of last year, have finally allowed us to get justice for Tony’s family and friends.

“This was a vicious and brutal attack, carried out with considerable force. Although we may never know the reason for Paul’s actions that day, there is no doubt in my mind that the streets are a safer place following today’s outcome.”

The court heard how the pair had met on the evening of June 3, 1980, before they went back to Tony’s home in Kensington.

Paul later said that he was out to steal something that evening and had gone back to Tony’s flat with the intention of robbing him.

It was while they were there alone that Paul, having tied Tony up with cable, grabbed a piece of wood and beat Tony with it until he was unconscious. Paul returned to the flat later that night to steal Tony’s belongings.

The investigation revealed that Paul’s fingerprints matched three prints lifted from the original crime scene.

Pictured top: Anthony Bird in his military service days in Aldershot in the late 1950s (Pictures: The Met)