A racist beat a homeless man to death because he was Polish

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Grant Harding told a friend he was going to get out of his head, punch someone and probably end up in jail. (SWNS)

A racist who beat a homeless man to death while lying in his sleeping bag because he was Polish has been jailed for life.

Grant Harding, 30, punched, kicked and kicked Robert Jadecki, 44, in a ‘wild, brutal and vicious’ assault in Northampton in the early hours of June 16 last year .

A court heard he launched the unprovoked attack after offering Mr Jadecki a drink as he sat outside a shop and heard his Polish accent.

Witnesses said Harding hurled a torrent of racial slurs at Mr Jedecki before beating him to death, shouting he was going to kill him.

The victim was rushed to Coventry University Hospital with serious injuries but died later that day. Harding was arrested nearby after being chased and detained by a member of the public.

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Harding, 30, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 27 years at Northampton Crown Court. (Getty Images)

Harding was found guilty of murder following a trial at Northampton Crown Court and was sentenced on Friday to life in prison, with a minimum of 27 years.

Judge Adrienne Lucking said the sentencing reflected the racial motivation behind the attack. She added: “The last moments of Robert Jadecki’s conscious life were filled with pain and fear.

“You have chosen to put yourself in this violent mindset. You pose a very real risk of causing further serious offenses.”

The court heard how Harding finished his job that day, went to the pub and told a friend he was going to get out of his head, punch someone and probably end up in jail.

Prosecutor Karim Khalil said the accused knew what he was likely to do that night by taking alcohol and drugs, but continued to do so nonetheless.

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The court heard how Harding’s attitude suddenly changed when he realized Mr Jadecki was Polish. (SWNS)

At midnight, Harding was heavily intoxicated by alcohol and cocaine and went to the Co-op store where he saw Mr. Jedecki helpless in a sleeping bag.

Detective Sergeant Robert Gray described Mr Jadecki as a mild-mannered man who was well regarded in the local community.

The story continues

Being homeless doesn’t make Robert’s death any less significant than anyone else’s, and again, we really want to make that point. He added.

Mr Jadecki was also known and loved at the Hope Center in Northampton, a drop-in center for the homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged.

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A spokesperson for the center said: “His tragic and senseless death shocked us all deeply, not least in the way it happened, but more importantly because everyone who knew Robert felt warmth towards him. He had an endearing and adorable side that almost everyone responded to.

“His death once again shines a light on the horrific risks faced by people on the streets and I am delighted that by working with other agencies we have seen almost all homeless people come off the streets.

“Every day, people like Robert face prejudice, hatred, contempt and abuse. Society needs to be more caring to help people like Robert and protect them from the violence and fury they face. “

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