A man who killed a “kind and gentle” pensioner in West Ham has been jailed, reports London Now.
Phillip Fraczek, aged 20 at the time, tried to get into multiple properties at a block of flats on Plaistow Road on May 15, 2024.
He ended up sleeping on the floor, but was woken over an hour later and was asked to leave by 79-year-old Franklin Agbotui.
Ten minutes later, neighbours heard banging noises and screaming coming from his flat, reports our sister-site London Now.
Police were called at 3.05pm and found Franklin horrifically injured.
He was taken to hospital by the London Air Ambulance, where he died five days later on May 20.
A neighbour – whose door Fraczek had knocked on hours earlier – spotted the suspect trying to flee the scene and alerted officers, who began a foot chase.
He was caught and arrested two streets away on Geere Road.
His knuckles and Nike trainers were covered in blood, which forensic scientists were later able to confirm was Franklin’s.
As the two officers restrained him, he attacked them and head-butted one in the jaw.
Fraczek, now aged 22, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to murder and assault of an emergency worker at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 6 this year.
On Monday (April 27), he was sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years and four months.
Franklin’s family said in a statement: "Our father lived a quiet, humble life grounded in integrity, respect, perseverance, education and faith. He instilled these values in us consistently and led by example.
"Despite his modest nature, he was deeply present in our lives - offering guidance, checking in regularly and sending daily messages. He was a constant, steady source of support. Beyond our immediate family, he was an active and valued member of his church community, where his absence has also been keenly felt.
"We continue to feel the absence of our father’s kindness, his humour and his guidance.”
They added that his death has had a “far-reaching impact” on their wellbeing and stability.
Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, whose team led this investigation, said:"Franklin was known to friends and neighbours as a kind and gentle man, often seen tending the flowers in their shared garden. He had a long and successful career in the Merchant Navy and had earned a happy retirement.
"This was horrifically taken from him by Fraczek - whose unprovoked and savage attack has rocked this community.”
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