EX-SOLDIER Michael Hill today (November 12) starts a life sentence for the "savage and vicious" murder of a defenceless old man.

Hill will serve at least 15 years behind bars after dramatically changing his plea to guilty of murder during a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The 23-year-old looked pale and shaken as Mr Justice Stephen Silber told him: "This was a savage and vicious murder to punish an old man from whom you had earlier been unable to obtain money.

"You attacked him with a long knife even though he was 87 years of age. You stabbed Keith Ridout through the heart and my conclusion is that you intended to kill him."

Hill, 23, of Nettlecombe, Shaftesbury, admitted murdering 87-year-old Mr Ridout in Victoria Street, Shaftesbury, on the eighth day of his trial.

His girlfriend, Hannah Wilton, also denied murder but the charge was discontinued after Hill admitted the crime.

Both admitted attempting to rob Mr Ridout in the street before his death.

Hill received a three-and-a-half year sentence for the attempted robbery, to run concurrently with the life sentence. Wilton, 22, was jailed for two-and-a-half years. She has already served 10 months in jail and is likely to be released in around five months.

Both defendants were dressed in smart clothing and neither spoke during the sentencing procedure, which lasted for an hour-and-a-half.

The judge was told that Hill decided to change his plea after DNA evidence was presented to the court earlier this week.

In a statement, Hill said: "When I stabbed Keith Ridout I did not intend to kill him. However, I accept that I intended to cause him really serious physical harm. This intention was formed in an instant and after I had been drinking. I also wish to say that I am very sorry."

The court heard he has written letters to Wilton since the murder. One said: "I bet you wish you had never met me because, if you hadn't, you would not be in prison."

The judge was told Wilton has received enhanced prisoner status in HMP Eastwood Park and has a job in the prison library.

"She feels sickened when she thinks about what happened" said her defence barrister, Anthony Donne QC.

"She often thinks about the victim. She feels very sorry for him and that it was unnecessary."

The court heard Wilton has vowed to give up alcohol and has ambitions to become an artist.

Police praised the residents of Shaftesbury for the help they received throughout the investigation.

"The tragic death of Mr Ridout had a big effect on the tight-knit community of Shaftesbury but, in spite of this, many local people readily came forward with crucial evidence" said Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cooper.

"Our thoughts at this time are very much with the many friends of Mr Ridout, who was a well-known and well-respected, fit and active member of the Shaftesbury community."

The court had been told Hill and Wilton followed Mr Ridout when he left the Crown public house in Shaftesbury on the evening of January 19 this year.

They attempted to rob him and, when he refused to hand over any cash, Hill followed him and murdered him. One stab wound went straight through his heart and punctured his lungs.

The court was told Mr Ridout was a flamboyant local character, known as Farmer Keith.

A friend of his, Edward Farris, told the Daily Echo: "He loved to have a chat. He was bordering on the eccentric but he was likeable. When I heard what had happened to him I was aghast and appalled."

Members of both Hill and Wilton's family were in court to hear the judge's comments and his sentences.

First published: November 12