Andrew Gorrell, 55, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 82-year-old John Edwards in what prosecutors described as an 'evil random attack'. Gorrell set fire to a wheelie bin outside Mr Edwards' home, causing a blaze that killed the pensioner and left two of his relatives in comas.
Chilling link to horror film
At the time of the attack, Gorrell was wearing a T-shirt depicting the character Freddy Krueger from the horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street, in which the central character is burned alive. The court heard that Gorrell randomly targeted Mr Edwards' home, with no prior connection to the victim.
Impact on the family
John Edwards died in hospital two weeks after the attack. Two of his relatives, who were also in the house at the time, suffered severe injuries and remain in comas. The family has described the attack as 'senseless and devastating'.
According to the prosecution, Gorrell's actions were premeditated and he showed no remorse. The judge handed down a life sentence, stating that Gorrell posed a significant danger to the public.
