Drug addict is jailed for killing retired Yorkshire teacher, 85

Ryan Campbell, 30, from Thirsk, had admitted causing the death of retired teacher George Francis Kidson, but denied murdering him.

Following a trial at Teesside Crown Court, Campbell was jailed for the manslaughter of Mr Kidson.

Police were called to Mr Kidson’s home at The Flatts, Sowerby, last November, following a report of a concern for safety.

They found the pensioner with serious injuries. He was taken to James Cook hospital where he died four days later of unrecoverable brain injuries.

Campbell was arrested shortly after the attack and charged with attempted murder and theft. Following Mr Kidson’s death the charges against Campbell were changed to murder.

The jury heard he was “drunk, angry and desperate for cash” when he went to Mr Kidson’s home.

Det Superintendent Matt Walker of North Yorkshire Police said: “This was a difficult and tragic case for everyone concerned and the sentence given to Campbell reflects the gravity of the offence he committed.

“Whilst this will not bring Mr Kidson back, I hope the sentence gives his family some sense of justice and closure to what has been a very difficult time for them.”

Mr Kidson’s said in a statement: “We have prematurely lost a valuable member of our family in desperately distressing circumstances, that must have led to him experiencing considerable pain and fear.”