A man who lashed-out and killed after trying to cadge a cigarette has been jailed for life.
Mathew McKay, 21, was found guilty of the murder of 40-year-old John Crabtree at Blackburn, Lancs.
Matthew McKay of Bridge Street, Blackburn was found guilty after a Preston Crown Court and reappeared to be given a life sentence with a minimum term of 18 years before he may be released.
A 10-day trial had heard that McKay battered his victim to death on a canal towpath after asking him for a cigarette
McKay suddenly punched and stamped on his victim leaving him to die near the Moorings pub, Bolton Road, Blackburn, on 12th September 2009.
Mr Crabtree suffered a fatal brain injury in the "unprovoked" attack but McKay showed "no remorse", Lancashire Police said.
McKay approached Mr Crabtree and asked for a cigarette but without provocation or warning punched him twice in the head causing him to fall to the ground before kicking and stamping on his head.
Lancashire Constabulary Acting Detective Chief Inspector Des Coop who led the investigation, said: "I'm very pleased with the sentence passed today.
"It takes account of how violent and sustained the assault was - it was a completely unprovoked attack on a vulnerable individual who did not pose a threat to anyone.
"McKay left his victim for dead and has shown absolutely no remorse.
"This has been a difficult investigation and I am very grateful for the assistance of the witnesses who came forward and helped outline what had gone on.
"Without this assistance we would not have achieved the positive outcome that we have today.
"My thoughts today are with John’s sister Debbie and her family."
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