Man Convicted Of Murdering Pensioner During Burglary
Cory Youlden who was convicted of murder at Worcester Crown Court todayA man was today (Monday, 6 February) facing a life sentence after being convicted of murdering pensioner Paul Cox during a burglary at his home at Rednal in North Worcestershire.
Cory Christopher Youlden, aged 23 (Date of Birth 18/6/1988), care of HMP Hewell and formerly of Birmingham, appeared before Worcester Crown Court when he changed his plea and admitted murdering 83-year-old Mr Cox who was found dead in his house in Waseley Road on 3 June last year (2011).
Youlden had previously denied the murder although he had admitted burgling Mr Cox's home and stealing his Ford Focus which was found two days later (5 June) after being set on fire in Erdington, Birmingham.
Judge Robert Juckes QC adjourned sentencing until 27 February at Worcester Crown Court for the preparation of reports.
Mr Cox, who lived alone, was attacked by Youlden during the burglary and died as a result. The grandfather-of-two was found dead by police who were called to the scene by a concerned neighbour. His car had been taken from the driveway.
After today's court hearing Detective Chief Inspector Paul Williamson of West Mercia Police said: "Elderly people are among the most vulnerable members of society and Mr Cox was just days short of his 84th birthday (7 June) when he was killed in a burglary that went terribly wrong. He was targeted in his own home by Youlden who is an unscrupulous offender.
"When he was caught he initially denied having gone into Mr Cox's house and tried to put the blame elsewhere. His lies and deceit led to other people being arrested.
"However as a result of the full and thorough investigation we carried out the weight of the evidence against him was overwhelming.
"We were preparing for this matter to go to a trial later in the month and Youlden's decision to finally admit the full part he played in Mr Cox's death at least spares the victim's family from the extra anguish of that ordeal.
"They have already spent eight months waiting for justice to be served and while sentencing has yet to take place hopefully the outcome today will provide them with some solace and a degree of closure."
Issued: Monday, 6 February 2012