A Nuneaton dad 'had his life taken away from him for money' at the hands of savage strangers. The devastated family of Mark Hoverd have issued a touching tribute to the 57-year-old man.
He was brutally attacked in his flat by three strangers in James Diskin Court last year by Francis Olner, Stuart Grant and Aleksandrs Gudkovs - who targeted him for money. The trio callously left him fighting for his life while they went out and used his bank cards.
Mr Hoverd died later in hospital. In his family's statement they say that they cannot comprehend why anyone would target someone who would 'never hurt anybody'.
READ MORE: Tattoo-face murderer who beat dad Mark Hoverd to death is sentenced
"Mark’s life was taken away from him while he was alone at home in a violent and brutal attack by total strangers in the early hours of Sunday, 3 September, 2023," the family statement said. “Mark lay fighting for his life for several hours before being discovered and sadly lost his fight later that day – all for money.
"Mark was a loving son, brother, father, uncle and friend – a gentle and kind soul who would never hurt anybody." The tribute added: "We truly appreciate the help we received from the Victim Support homicide service and would like to thank the investigation team at Warwickshire Police who worked so tirelessly in gathering the evidence to identify the people responsible.
“Nothing will ever bring Mark back but knowing that justice will be served provides some comfort to us all.” Mark’s partner of almost eight years, Debbie Williams, added: "No outcome will bring Mark back and I will always love him.
"He was a kind and gentle man – a star that shone brightly - and I miss him every day. Until we meet again in heaven, I will love you eternally. God bless you and sleep tight."
What happened to Mark Hoverd's killers?
Francis Olner, 36, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to life, to serve a minimum of 28 years. Olner, of Manor Court Road was found guilty of the 57-year-old man's murder following a trial. A Coventry Crown Court judge sentenced him to 11 years for conspiracy to rob and 32 months for fraud - sentences that will run concurrently with the life sentence.
Stuart Grant and Aleksandras Gudkov were found guilty of Mr Hoverd's manslaughter. Gudkov, aged 43, formerly of Coton Road, was sentenced to 15 years and six months in jail. He was in addition sentenced to 11 years for conspiracy to rob and 32 months for fraud, which will again run concurrently with his other sentence.
Grant, aged 42 of no fixed abode, was also sentenced to 15 years and six months in jail. He was also sentenced to 11 years for conspiracy to rob and 32 months for fraud, which will run concurrently with his other sentence.
