A man has today, Wednesday, April 25, been found guilty of the murder of 49-year-old John Masser from Basildon.

Mr Masser died following an assault in Moss Drive, Basildon, on Sunday, October 1, 2017.

He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries, and sadly died on Tuesday October 3.

Steven Keeble, 37, of Moss Close, Basildon, denied murdering Mr Masser, but was found guilty following a ten day trial at Basildon Crown Court. 

The court heard how on Sunday, October 1, Keeble had attended an address in Moss Drive, following a dispute with his partner.

A short time later Mr Masser attended the same location and following a brief exchange was assaulted by Keeble who forced him to the floor and repeatedly kicked him in the head and neck area.

The court heard how Keeble took an "intense dislike" to Mr Masser because he believed he was a sexual predator.

Mr Masser had been due to stand trial for a historic rape charge two months after his death.

He always denied the allegation, which related to an incident 30 years ago, and CPS confirmed they are taking no further action.

Detective Inspector Alan Pitcher from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said:

“On a Sunday, early evening last October, Keeble brutally attacked Mr Masser, subjecting him to a sustained and violent attack.

"He punched him to the ground and repeatedly kicked and stamped on his head while in a rage.

"He fled the scene and then denied the assault when he was arrested by the police.

“By the end of the attack, Mr Masser was lying critically injured.

“He survived for a few days, but these injuries, viciously inflicted by Keeble, had done too much damage.

“My thoughts are very much with the family of Mr Masser.

"I hope that today’s verdict will be of some comfort to them.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Masser’s family for working with us throughout what has been a very difficult time for them and all of the witnesses who bravely attended court to give evidence.”

Keeble will appear before Basildon Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday April 26