THE MAN who murdered an Isle of Wight grandfather has been sentenced to life in prison.

West Wight man, Gerald Pragnell, 66, was born on the Island and had moved back and forth to the mainland throughout his life.

He was living in Southampton and working at Southampton Airport at the time of his death.

Tommy Scott, 34, of no fixed address, today (Thursday) appeared at Winchester Crown Court after he admitted killing Mr Pragnell.

The court heard Scott had strangled Mr Pragnell with a piece of material he was using as a belt, before leaving his body under leaves.

He stole Mr Pragnell’s car, then returned the next day to steal a ring he was wearing.

Mr Pragnell's body was found in woodland off Cemetery Road, Southampton, on Saturday, November 3.

He was last seen on Thursday, November 1, when CCTV captured him leaving his office at Southampton Airport at 6.34am at the end of his night shift. He failed to return home and was reported missing the following day.

Police searching Southampton Common found Mr Pragnell's body, and Scott was arrested that day.

During a police interview, Scott admitted killing Mr Pragnell. He also admitted taking Mr Pragnell’s car, which he later sold to drug dealers, and used his bank cards to make a number of purchases in Southampton and Botley.

He further admitted to returning to Mr Pragnell’s body to remove a ring he had been wearing, which was later sold at a pawn shop.

Today, Scott was sentenced to life in prison and will serve a minimum of 27 years.

Judge Keith Cutler stressed that 27 years would be the minimum he would serve and that he may never be released.

Speaking after the sentencing, his family said: "Tommy Scott’s actions have resulted in our dad never getting to spend another day with his grandson, his children, his partner and extensive network of family and friends.

“The sentence for what he did to our dad will never be enough. We would like to thank the police investigation team and our family liaison officers for their compassion, tenacity and support over recent months.”

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Morgan added: “Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Pragnell on this very difficult day.

“Having spent time with Mr Pragnell’s family and having heard their moving statements in court today, it is clear that he was a much-loved man and his sudden death has had a devastating impact on them.

“Today’s sentence, following Scott’s guilty plea at the earliest opportunity, is a testament to the determination and professionalism of my investigation team who have worked tirelessly to get justice for them.”

Bernadette Kearney, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Tommy Scott has taken the life of a man who had been looking forward to his retirement later this year. He has left his partner and family and friends completely devastated.

"Mercifully, Tommy Scott has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and has spared them the further trauma of a trial. My thoughts are his partner, his family and friends at this unbearably tragic time."