Jury returns guilty verdict over man 'strangled' at home

A man has been found guilty of murdering a drinking pal, strangling him and then "leaving him for dead" as a fire raged in his home.

- by Nick Frame

William Joyce has been on trial at Leeds Crown Court, accused of killing 53-year-old Darren Leach, having gone to his home looking for alcohol, cigarettes or money.

Joyce, 38, was caught on CCTV on March 18 leaving Mr Leach's home on Marston Grove, Beeston, hours before his body was found, having bullied him for money in previous days.

His fingerprints were found on a can of beer in the property, and when he left Mr Leach's home he was carrying Mr Leach's TV in a bag.