THE officer who led the investigation into Paul Lundy's murder has described convicted killer Nathan Calder as having a "total lack of regard for human life".

Calder, of Eddy Road, Kidderminster, was sentenced to life imprisonment following a two-week trial at Worcester Crown Court on Friday.

Speaking after the result, senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Carl Moore said: "Nathan Calder committed this horrific attack on Paul Lundy in his own home, leaving him there to be discovered the following evening by his friend and housemate.

“The investigation established that on Wednesday, May 22, Calder had been in Paul’s home in Kidderminster, after CCTV footage captured that they both visited the local shop before returning there."

He added: “In the time Calder was in Paul’s home, he attacked and murdered him, showing a total lack of regard for human life.

"He has been today found guilty of this horrific crime and this dangerous man will now face justice.

"Our thoughts remain with Paul’s family and friends as they continue to come to terms with his death.

"Whilst no length of sentence can ever ease the pain felt by Paul’s loss, I hope that today's verdict and sentence will provide a small sense of closure for his family.”

The court previously heard how Mr Lundy's housemate discovered his body in a pool of blood in the lounge - with notable facial injuries - the morning after he was killed.

Calder had pleaded guilty to murder, saying he stabbed Mr Lundy after he "sexually propositioned and manhandled" him, but a jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

He will serve a minimum of 17 years in prison.

Following the verdict, Paul Lundy’s family said in a statement: “We are as a family absolutely devastated by the loss of Paul and it has been difficult to sit through the court case listening to the details of his death and seeing his final movements.

“We miss him every single day and our lives will never be the same again. Our family will never be the same again.

"Paul was the life and soul of any family event and his presence is missed.

“We would never want anyone to lose a loved-one in this way or go through what we have over these past six months.

"We would like to thank West Mercia Police and the prosecution counsel for all of their hard work on getting Justice for Paul, and their support during the most difficult time in our lives.”