A JUDGE has ordered an indefinite hospital order for a man following the murder of a care home resident.

Judge Ian Graham made the ruling at the conclusion of a hearing in which it was confirmed that Jay Turner, 34, was responsible for the death of Harry Hennessey in the grounds of the Longcroft, Swan Lane, Wickford, a mental health care home, where they both lived.

Judge Graham had ruled that Turner was not fit to stand trial for murder but a jury at Basildon Crown Court did participate in a 'trial of facts' and determined that Turner "did the act charged against him."

Mr Hennessey died as the result of an assault on the early evening of 2 July 2020. The court heard Turner threw him to the ground and kicked the 61-year-old six times before walking back to his room. Mr Hennessy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Turner was arrested at the scene and charged with murder on 3 July 2020 and remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court following day.

Harry's siblings paid tribute at the time saying Harry was a "gentle soul" and that he was still "within our hearts".

On Wednesday, 17 March the judge ordered Jay Turner be subject to a hospital order with no time limit under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Egerton, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "My thoughts and condolences are very much with Harry's family at this time.

"This was a tragic incident which claimed the life of a much-loved man described by his family as a "gentle soul".

"I would also like to thank staff at the care home who did all they could to save Harry`s life after he was attacked."