A man who killed a city pensioner in an "explosion of temper" by breaking his neck and back has been jailed for life at Birmingham Crown Court.
Judge John Saunders QC said the attack by Ian Dickens, a much younger and fitter man, on 89-year-old Frank Garfield had been "brutal and persistent".
He said Dickens (37), who had stayed with the victim at his home in Woodbrook Road, Bournville, and who admitted a charge of murder, must remain in prison for at least 15 years before being considered for parole.
Robert Juckes QC, prosecuting, said the two men had known each other for many years and there had been a number of incidents when Dickens injured Mr Garfield.
He said on February 20 this year Dickens made a 999 call saying Mr Garfield had collapsed, implying he had suffered a heart attack.
When paramedics arrived it was clear the pensioner, who was lying on the living room floor, had been dead for some time. Mr Juckes said as well as having a broken neck and back, Mr Garfield was found to have suffered many other injuries, some of which were consistent with his head being stamped on while he was on the ground.
Rachel Brand QC, defending, said the men had a mutually dependent relationship and that Mr Garfield had a stable and caring influence on Dickens's life.
She said they had had an argument but that Dickens, who had taken drugs and alcohol, never intended Mr Garfield should die.
