Frank Tranter

Frank Tranter died following a burglary at his home.

A youth was tried for his murder but acquitted.

Frank Tranter had been stabbed twelve times in the face and neck.

The youth was said to have broken into Frank Tranter's warden controlled bungalow and killed him two days after he had previously burgled his home and stolen cigarettes, £100 in cash and a cassette player.

It was claimed that when he had gone back he had stabbed Frank Tranter twelve times, causing him to choke on his own blood.

Frank Tranter had only one leg and had cancer and diabetes and was partially blind. He was an ex-serviceman.

Four other teenagers were also convicted of aggravated burglary and conspiracy to burgle. They had all pleaded not guilty to murder and their pleas were accepted.

Frank Tranter was said to have been the victim of crooks three times before his murder.

His nephew said that whilst Frank Tranter had been in hospital having his leg amputated that his previous home in Whiteheath was ransacked and furniture smashed and stolen.

Three weeks before his murder conmen called at his home and tried to sell him screws and stole his wallet. He noted that he had also been burgled two days before his murder, the crime for which the youth admitted responsibility.