Family Shocked as Killer Caught in Gorleston Murder and Arson Case
Man Found Guilty of Murdering Relative
Paul Kelly-Bridle, 59, from Worcester Way, Gorleston, was today found guilty of murdering Linda Hood at her Cherwell Way home between 9 and 12 June 2021. The Norwich Crown Court jury of 12 delivered their verdict after nearly 11 hours of deliberation.
Kelly-Bridle also faces a conviction for arson with intent to endanger life on 11 June 2021. He had denied all charges, but the evidence proved otherwise.
Neighbours Raise Alarm on Fateful Morning
Neighbours reported smelling smoke and hearing a fire alarm at around 5am on 11 June — the day Linda was found dead. A visitor to a nearby property opened Linda’s front door with a spare key shortly after 9am, only to be met with thick smoke and silence.
Firefighters discovered Linda in the hallway, with a head injury and blood nearby. Despite desperate resuscitation attempts, she was pronounced dead at 9:39am.
A Home Office post-mortem revealed Linda was strangled and suffered blunt force trauma to the face. There was no sign she was alive when the fire started.
Damning Forensic Evidence Links Kelly-Bridle
CCTV caught Kelly-Bridle near Linda’s home hours before the fire. He booked taxis to Brasenose Avenue on both 10 and 11 June, but witnesses noticed suspicious behaviour. One taxi driver said Kelly-Bridle skipped going into a shop and appeared uneasy.
Forensics found Linda’s blood on his shoe and his DNA under her fingernails. His thumbprints were also discovered on Linda’s letterbox flap. He was first arrested on 17 June but released on bail, only to be re-arrested over a year later on 29 June 2022.
Police and Family Speak Out
“Linda’s home should have been a place of safety, but that trust was shattered by a man she knew and likely trusted,” said Detective Chief Inspector Phill Gray. “He tried to cover his tracks by setting fire to a chair and returned the following day to check what he had done.”
Linda’s brother Antony added, “Linda was fiercely independent despite her learning disabilities. This callous crime has left a huge hole in our family and community. Justice has been served, though it will never bring her back.”
Kelly-Bridle will be sentenced at a later date.
