Two charged with murdering an 83-year-old pensioner following a search for man with links to Hartlepool

A 28-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy have been charged with the murder of a pensioner who was strangled at his home.

By Ryan Smith

Published 3rd Jan 2021, 14:40 BST

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Essex Police, with the support of Cleveland Police, appealed for help to trace Leighton Snook, 28, in connection with the death of Donald Ralph, in Aldham, a village near Colchester.

Now a 28-year-old man and the teenager, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, are due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 4, accused of killing Donald Ralph, aged 83.

Mr Ralph was found dead at his home shortly after 1pm on Tuesday, December 29, with a post-mortem finding that he died from strangulation.

Donald Ralph’s family described him as being “very young at heart” and a man who loved being in the countryside.

Donald Ralph’s family described him as being “very young at heart” and a man who loved being in the countryside.

Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for ice as the cold snap in the North...

The 28-year-old, of no fixed address, and the 16-year-old have both been charged with murder and theft of a motor vehicle, while the adult also faces a charge of possession of an offensive weapon.

Mr Ralph’s car, a blue Volvo V50 which was stolen from outside his home, was later found in Hastings.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.