A beggar has been given a life sentence for the sadistic killing of a man by dropping a fridge on his head.

Cameron McFly, 38, of Herlwyn Gardens, Hebdon Road, Tooting, was found guilty of murdering Richard Ward in a Waitrose loading bay.

He was given a life imprisonment of 24 years, today, September 13, after pleading guilty to manslaughter claiming diminished responsibility.

Danny Samuel, 36, of the same address, was also found not guilty of murdering Mr Ward.

The Old Bailey heard that before the attack on November 7 last year McFly was begging outside Sainsbury’s in Balham High Road with his two Staffordshire terriers.

Later on that day he met some friends outside Clapham Junction Station at about 8.45pm.

Mr Ward, 37, of Bookmaster Road, Battersea, was then seen walking towards St John's Hill past a flower store outside the station.

After some form of meeting, which led to McFly becoming separated from his dogs, CCTV footage showed Mr Ward holding the dog's by their leashes in St John's Hill.

Just before 11pm, CCTV footage showed McFly attacking Mr Ward after placing his arm around him and leading him towards the supermarket loading bay.

He then went to Sainsbury’s in Clapham Junction Station, where he bought three cans of pre-mixed Jack Daniels and Coca-Cola - appearing to flirt with the girl in front of him in the process.

On his return he dropped a mini fridge recovered from a skip onto the victim's head.

A Waitrose night shift worker discovered Mr Ward’s lifeless body and called an ambulance, but those treating him said they could "barely recognise a human face".

The next day a post mortem examination held at St George's Mortuary confirmed the cause of death as head injuries.

On November 9 police arrested Mr McFly in connection with the killing and he was charged with murder the following day.

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons said: "This was a particularly sadistic murder that took place over 35 minutes during which the victim was led away to a secluded spot off a busy high street, and then subjected to unprovoked, sudden, repeated and sustained violence.

"Richard Ward was an innocent and unsuspecting victim who was simply picked on by Cameron McFly.

"Richard's family have had to endure the painstaking details of the death of their loved one which included as his final act, Cameron McFly, using a discarded mini fridge from a skip as a final weapon.

"Richard Ward's family have shown great dignity during this disturbing trial and I hope that their heartache is in some small way alleviated by today's verdict."