TWO brothers set a trap for a Suffolk pensioner before brutally killing him in his own home, a court heard.68-year old Geoffrey Ponder was repeatedly battered over the head with a frying pan before being left for dead by 17-year old Jamie Markwell and his 19-year old brother Kieran Middleton, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

TWO brothers set a trap for a Suffolk pensioner before brutally killing him in his own home, a court heard.

68-year old Geoffrey Ponder was repeatedly battered over the head with a frying pan before being left for dead by 17-year old Jamie Markwell and his 19-year old brother Kieran Middleton, Ipswich Crown Court was told.

Earlier Mr Ponder was lured away from his home in Morton Road, Lowestoft, by the brothers who then laid in wait for him to return with the intention of robbing him.

The brothers, who were both known to Mr Ponder, had removed light bulbs from the hallway and lounge and cut telephone wires after luring Mr Ponder away on the pretext that one of them needed a lift.

Markwell, of Quakers Way, Leiston, admitted murder, robbery, conspiracy to burgle Mr Ponder's house and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

He was given a life sentence with a recommendation that he serves a minimum term of detention of 10 years before he is released on licence.

Middleton, of the same address, admitted manslaughter, conspiracy to burgle Mr Ponder's home and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. He was sentenced to 6 years detention in a young offender's institution.

For the full story and reaction, see tomorrow's EADT.