The partner of the gay man murdered by a Wandsworth Prison officer has spoken of his relief after the killer was jailed for life.

Francis Wayne Kavanagh, 28, was convicted at the Old Bailey of killing Keith Smith, 58, in a frenzied and drunken attack on December 21 last year.

Kavanagh followed Mr Smith along Heathfield Road, Wandsworth, after they had both been drinking separately at the nearby County Arms Pub in Alma Terrace.

Mr Smith's battered 6ft, 18-stone body was found the next morning in Heathfield Court, just off Heathfield Road.

A postmortem revealed Mr Smith had been kicked in the head and stamped on the neck before being strangled "with a considerable degree of force".

Kavanagh admitted the killing but denied murder. He claimed he had lost control when Mr Smith allegedly tried to touch his testicles as he stopped to urinate in Heathfield Court.

The court heard how Kavanagh had been drinking heavily and allegedly taken cocaine after his girlfriend told him their relationship was over.

Mr Smith's credit cards and wallet were later found in bins outside Kavanagh's home in Upper Norwood.

Speaking after the verdict, Mr Smith's partner of 30 years, Ian Wilson, said he was pleased to see Kavanagh behind bars.

He added: "It has been a very harrowing and upsetting period. I am relieved that it's all over. It's obvious that justice has been done.

"The attack on Keith was particularly vicious and violent. It remains a mystery as to why it happened."

Mr Smith, a retired warehouse manager, had worked part-time in the County Arms' kitchen. He had been Christmas shopping in Wimbledon Village on the day he died.

Mr Wilson said: "Keith was a quiet man who kept himself to himself and was very careful of the company he kept. He was very popular and people enjoyed talked to him.

"If there was violence, he went well away from it and would never provoke or antagonise.

"I feel that Kavanagh's story about Keith making a pass is a total fabrication to excuse his own actions. He has destroyed two lives - Keith's and his own."

Detective Inspector Nick Scola, who lead the investigation, said: "This was a savage and unprovoked attack. Mr Smith was a popular and a well-liked local figure.

"I would like to thank all the members of the public for their co-operation in this investigation".

The Prison Service refused to comment.

July 12, 2002 10:00