A Poplar man was jailed for murder last Friday (December 3) after attacking his father with a hammer and smothering him with a pillow.

John Heath, 34, of Oban Street, pleaded guilty to the murder of his father, Charles Heath, 65, at the Old Bailey on December 1.

He also pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and was jailed for life, to serve a minimum of 12 years.

His brother, Robert Heath, 28, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and was jailed for 30 months.

Police were called to Oban Street on November 15 last year after neighbours raised concerns about Charles Heath’s welfare.

Police then discovered his body and he was pronounced dead at the scene, but his body was too decomposed for a post-mortem examination to reveal the cause of death.

He had sustained head injuries which John Heath admitted causing by hitting him with a hammer, before smothering him with a pillow.

It is believed the injuries were inflicted during an argument in October.

Neighbour Kamaly Mahbubur, 40, said: “I gave a statement to the police at the time. I was shocked then, I think most people on the street were.

“I can remember the family but I didn’t see them very often.

“12 years is a long sentence but maybe it should have been longer.”

Both brothers were arrested on November 15 and charged with murder.

No evidence was offered in respect of the murder charge against Robert Heath.