A 47-year-old man has today (Thursday) been sentenced at Guildford Crown Court to life, to serve a minimum of 22 years for the murder of a Farnham man in July 2015.

Andrew Savage of no fixed abode was found guilty of the murder of 41-year-old Glenn Hack, whose body was discovered at a residential address in Victoria Road, Farnham on Sunday, July 12.

A jury of eight women and four men found Savage guilty of killing his acquaintance, Mr Hack, after hearing that he caused multiple injuries to the victim, with whom he had recently struck-up a casual friendship.

The court heard how Savage, an alcoholic, was a person of bad character who had convictions dating back 30 years including assault, theft and harassment. He had carried out the murder in a drunken rage after Mr Hack refused to give him access to money to buy more alcohol. Savage launched a ferocious and sustained assault on Mr Hack who he claimed had been taunting him verbally and physically.

Following the attack Savage claimed he did not remember what had happened and woke up the following day to see Mr Hack on the carpet in the living room. He made no attempt to call police or seek help.

A murder investigation was launched by the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team after officers found the deceased at his home where the offender had been staying. During the course of the enquiry Savage was charged with Mr Hack’s murder.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Paddy Mayer said: "Throughout our enquiries Savage refused to help police and made no comment responses in extensive questioning. As a result of his callous refusal to engage, the family has had to face immeasurable trauma and heartache.

"This was a brutal attack on an innocent man who opened up his home to Savage because he knew he was homeless. He provided him with a roof over his head and access to all amenities as he knew full well the difficulties of living on the street. His kindness was repaid with an act of complete savagery which has had a devastating effect on his family. They have had to listen to horrific details as part of the evidence relating to how their loved one died.

"Throughout the investigation the family has shown tremendous dignity and hopefully today’s outcome will in some small way help them feel justice has been done.

The sentence given demonstrates the severity and impact of this horrendous crime.”

"The officers involved in this complex case dealt with a number of extremely vulnerable witnesses and I would like to commend those individuals for doing the right thing by supporting the investigation and giving evidence at the trial.”

The family of Mr Hack praised the work of the investigation team and previously paid tribute to Glenn:

"No-one is ever prepared for hearing the sudden news of the death of a loved one – and it was no exception for us when we were told of Glenn’s passing.

"Although he had his faults and had to battle with some personal demons, deep down Glenn was a good and kind, but sometimes tortured soul. He was a free spirit, a bit of a wanderer with a character which would not allow him to live a regular nine to five life.

"He was an extremely talented man who, if he had put his mind to it, could have been anything he wanted to be. Glenn was a warm, kind and funny character who did not deserve what happened to him.

"He will be greatly missed by his loving family and we hope that people will respect his memory and our wishes to be left to grieve for him in peace.”

Gareth Wheeler, a 46-year-old man, who admitted assisting an offender in connection with the murder of Mr Hack was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment at the same court.

Wheeler of Victoria Road, Farnham, pleaded guilty in August 2015 and was remanded further in custody.