Grandad's Murderer Locked Up for Life After Southampton Killing
A man has been sentenced to life behind bars for strangling a beloved grandfather near Southampton Common. Tommy Scott, 34, with no fixed address, appeared at Winchester Crown Court after pleading guilty to the murder of 66-year-old Gerald Pragnell last month.
Chilling Crime in Southampton Woodland
Gerald Pragnell was reported missing by his family on November 2 after failing to return home from work the day before. His body was discovered in woodland off Cemetery Road on November 3, sparking a grim investigation.
Mr Pragnell was last spotted leaving Southampton Airport around 6.30am in his silver Mercedes GLA. The court revealed Scott strangled him with a belt made from a piece of material and left his body hidden beneath fallen leaves.
Greedy Killer Steals Car and Ring
Not content with murder, Scott also stole Mr Pragnell’s car. Disturbingly, he returned the next day just to pinch his ring.
Today, Scott was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years. Judge Keith Cutler warned: “27 years is the minimum he will serve. He may never be released.”
Family and Police React to Guilty Verdict
“Tommy Scott’s actions mean our dad will never get another day with his grandson, children, partner, or family,” said the bereaved family. “No sentence can truly match what he did. We thank the police and family liaison officers for their support and compassion.”
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Morgan added: “Gerald was a much-loved man whose sudden death devastated his family. This sentence is a result of the professionalism and determination of our team to deliver justice.”
