Man Jailed for Life Over Brutal Murder of Pensioner in Accrington
John Swannack, 59, from St Leger Court, Accrington, has been sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of 30 years before parole. The chilling sentence was passed by Judge Robert Altham at Preston Crown Court.
Horrific Murder of Bill Howard
Emergency services were called to St James Street, Accrington, just before 2pm on August 28 last year amid welfare concerns. They found 79-year-old Bill Howard with severe head injuries and multiple stab wounds. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
It emerged Bill had been subjected to a savage, sustained attack. Evidence showed accelerant was poured on him, and a post-mortem confirmed he died from fatal head and chest injuries.
Shocking Evidence and Cold-Hearted Motive
CCTV captured Swannack leaving Bill’s home on August 24, the day Bill was last seen alive. Detected carrying a black bin bag and walking stick, he was spotted using Bill’s bank card multiple times until his arrest on August 29.
Investigations uncovered a disturbing pattern: Swannack also exploited two other vulnerable men. On July 19, he stole £2,360 from a housebound former neighbour. On August 16, he withdrew £350 from another man with speech and mobility difficulties — stealing his wallet too.
Swannack admitted to murder, two thefts, and three fraud charges on January 12.
Police and Family Speak Out
“Swannack is a callous and manipulative individual who deliberately targeted elderly and vulnerable people to fuel his expensive crack cocaine habit,” said DCI Allen Davies. “Bill Howard was the complete opposite — a kind, quiet man who lived a simple life and never bothered anyone. I cannot imagine the horror he endured at Swannack’s hands.”
“We welcome the sentence reflecting the seriousness of this crime and the danger Swannack posed. Our thoughts remain with Bill’s family, especially his brother Jack. Thanks to the hard work of our team, overwhelming evidence led to a guilty plea,” he added.
Bill’s brother, Jack Howard, said: “Bill and I grew up close as two of four brothers. Everyone knew him as kind and gentle — never one for confrontation. Bill wouldn’t hurt a fly and certainly didn’t deserve this.
“Life wasn’t easy for Bill. He lost his wife young and raised his son alone. Then, heartbreakingly, he lost his son too. Despite all that, Bill lived a quiet, peaceful life.
“We’d meet twice a week, greet each other with a fist bump, call each other ‘Amigo,’ and head to the pub to chat. Those good times are gone now.”
Other Arrests Cleared
A 55-year-old and a 56-year-old man, both arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released with no further action.
