Life sentence for landlord murderer

Updated 15.53 Wed May 09 2007

Keywords: guilty, DNA, life sentence, judge, court, murder

A serial burglar whose DNA linked him to the murder of a former pub landlord has been jailed for life.

Jason Jay, 42, was found guilty of murdering and robbing Roger Denslow, 40, in Taunton, Somerset, last June.

His DNA was found on a cigarette holder under the battered body

His DNA was found on a cigarette holder under the battered body.

Judge Graham Cottle said Jay was an "exceptionally dangerous man who exhibits not a shred of remorse", adding that he launched a savage and brutal attack" on "vulnerable and frail" Mr Denslow.

The victim suffered a "massive skull fracture" and was left with a "gaping wound to the side of his head" after being attacked with a blunt object, said the judge.

Mr Denslow's body was discovered a week later by children on waste ground in the town under corrugated iron sheets, concrete blocks and a freezer.

Jay had previously denied murder and told Exeter Crown Court: "I know for sure if I killed someone I would remember it."

He has now been ordered to serve a minimum of 28 years.