First picture of murderer who violently attacked 'friend' before taking sickening photos

This is the face of a sick murderer who killed his terminally ill 'friend' inside the victim's Sutton Coldfield home - before taking photos of his body. Craig Moult was violently attacked at his address in Boldmere Close on September 1 last year.

The 45-year-old, who suffered from pancreatic and liver disease, died after sustaining more than 100 injuries, which Leroy Lawrence later took pictures of on his mobile phone. The 46-year-old killer, who was found guilty of murder after a four-week trial, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 26 years at Birmingham Crown Court today, Wednesday, December 11.

'Dangerous' Lawrence and another friend had been visiting Mr Moult overnight on Thursday, August 31, with the fatal attack taking place after the killer and his victim were left alone. Three hours later, after the brutal attack, Lawrence was seen leaving the house.

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A few days later Lawrence handed himself into police, only to answer no comment during his interview. While in custody, Lawrence confessed his crime to an inmate, also admitting stealing Mr Moult's bank card. He had attempted a transaction but failed.

Two days after the attack, he returned to the victim's house and found him dead. But instead of dialling 999, he stole more of Mr Moult's property and left. Lawrence also took photos on his mobile phone of his victim's injuries.

Mr Moult's family described their horror at having to hear his final moments read out in court. They said: “Attending court every day for these weeks has been very hard for us. To sit in court and listen to what Craig went through in his final moments has been heartbreaking.

“This is something we will never be able to forget. Craig was our son, brother and father and he did not deserve what he was put through. Craig is still very much missed by family and friends every day and will continue to be forever and always.”

In an unconnected incident, Lawrence of no fixed address, was also found guilty of one count of theft against another victim. Lawrence stole various items including designer goods, jewellery and a bank card. It happened a day after he murdered Mr Moult.

Chief Insp Jim Mahon, who led the investigation, said: “Lawrence brutally killed Craig in his own home where he should have been safe. Craig suffered more than 100 injuries and was left to die by someone he called a friend.

“Lawrence then went on to commit even more crime by stealing from an innocent woman and returned back to Craig’s flat to steal his property. He is a dangerous man and has shown no remorse for any of his horrific actions.

“My thoughts are with Craig’s loved ones who have been forced to sit through a difficult trial. I hope they can take some measure of comfort in seeing his killer sentenced today.”