Grandson Jailed for Life After Killing Grandfather and Neighbour’s Cat
A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his own grandfather and killing a neighbour’s cat. Benjamin Dunlop, homeless at the time, pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court to the shocking crime.
Tragic Discovery in Measham
On December 1, 2021, Ronald Dunlop, 75, was found dead just before 5 p.m. at his home on Hart Drive, Measham. Benjamin had been staying there temporarily with his grandfather. Emergency services were called after concerns were raised about both men’s welfare, with fears Benjamin had self-harmed.
Paramedics discovered Ronald’s lifeless body alongside a dead cat belonging to a neighbour. Benjamin later admitted to ambulance crew that he had injured both his grandfather and the cat.
Swift Justice for Horrific Crime
Two days after the grim discovery, Benjamin Dunlop was charged with murder. He was also charged with criminal damage relating to the cat, receiving a concurrent six-month prison sentence for that offence.
“My thoughts remain foremost with Ronald,” said Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Nicole Main from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit. “While this sentence won’t bring him back, knowing Benjamin is serving time offers some hope for the family to move forward after this long wait for justice.”
