Norwich Man Jailed for Brutal Murder of Mark Franklin
Stephen Grimwood, 64, from Shipfield, Norwich, was found guilty today (Thursday, 22 December 2022) of murdering Mark Franklin on 26 April 2022. The jury at Norwich Crown Court took just 90 minutes to reach a unanimous verdict.
Neighbour Found Dead After Missing Appointments
The alarm was raised when Mr Franklin’s GP surgery noticed he had missed three appointments and ignored texts and calls. Staff even tried his home address on Appleyard Crescent, but he didn’t answer. Police arrived on the evening of 29 April and found Mr Franklin dead on his living room floor with a severe head injury.
Officers initially feared a gunshot wound. A Home Office post-mortem later confirmed death was caused by a devastating blunt force trauma to his head, along with defensive injuries to his hands.
CCTV and Forensics Seal Grimwood’s Fate
- CCTV captured Grimwood leaving Mr Franklin’s home at 4.49am on the day of the murder.
- He withdrew £500 from the victim’s bank account just minutes later.
- Forensic tests found traces of Mr Franklin’s brain and blood on Grimwood’s shoes.
- Bloody footprints were found on the kitchen floor of the victim’s house.
Grimwood’s story didn’t add up. He claimed brief visits and permission to withdraw money, but CCTV showed multiple visits between 3.48am and 5.30am on 26 April. He also lied about when he bought his trainers and when he reclaimed his iPhone from a pawn shop.
Detective Speaks on Shocking Betrayal
“This was a violent attack so ferocious officers thought it might have been a shooting. It’s hard to imagine such brutality, especially from someone Mark called a friend,” said Detective Inspector Lewis Craske, who led the investigation. “While today’s verdict won’t bring Mark back, we hope it brings some closure to his family.”
Stephen Grimwood denied murder and borrowing money beyond a small loan years ago. He now awaits sentencing on 3 January 2023.
