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.
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