Terrified pensioner suffered 'long period of harassment'

By [spalmer]

ALFRED Wilkins was found murdered in his home, in February 2001, following "a long period of harassment" from vigilante groups.

The 67-year-old former merchant seaman had been cleared of three counts of indecently assaulting a nine-year-old girl in November 2000.

However, this did not stop a hate campaign being focused on him and his Arundel Walk flat, on the then Yarborough estate.

Police revealed the terrified pensioner had made more than 80 calls for help to officers before he was murdered, as his windows were smashed, "nonce" was daubed on his home, and people banged on his windows and doors.

The charred remains of Mr Wilkins, and his dog, Lucky, were found in the flat on February 9, 2001 – just eight days after two intruders had broken in and punched and kicked him, leaving him with a gash to the head.

Officers said Mr Wilkins and Lucky had died of smoke inhalation, after turps was poured through his letterbox and set alight.

Because his smashed windows had been boarded up, Mr Wilkins was unable to escape, and perished in the fire.

Speaking after his death, officers admitted the Grimsby pensioner could have had more help against the vigilantes.

Gavin Baggs, the Detective Superintendent at Humberside Police in charge at the time, said: "Mr Wilkins was an elderly man with mobility problems. He lived a quiet life on the Yarborough estate.

"He did face a long period of harassment following his acquittal in November, and this harassment escalated to the point where he was attacked and murdered in his own home.

"Following the acquittal of Alfred Wilkins at Grimsby Crown Court, he did face an escalating series of incidents against him and his home.

"Many of these were quite trivial in themselves, such as people banging on his door and windows, but I do recognise the seriousness of these incidents as they did, of course, culminate in his murder."

He added it had been hard to help Mr Wilkins, as the nature of the abuse made him reluctant to speak out against those who were attacking him.

However, Det Supt Baggs said new procedures had been put in place to ensure no one else would suffer as Mr Wilkins had.