A MAN has today been found guilty of murdering a 72-year-old grandmother in her own home.

Christian Darko, 41, who is originally from Ghana, had denied murdering Rose Doughty, but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

However he was found guilty of murder by a jury at Teesside Crown Court.

He stabbed and strangled her at her flat in Fosdyke Green, Netherfields, Middlesbrough, on November 23 last year.

Darko, who lived directly above Mrs Doughty, then returned to steal £30 cash from the flat which he spent on cigarettes and lottery tickets.

Detective Inspector Kath Vickers of Cleveland Police said: "In November last year the community of Middlesbrough were horrified by the violent murder of Rose Doughty in her own home.

"Rose lived alone in Fosdyke Green, Netherfields in Middlesbrough. She had shown friendship to Christian Darko who lived in a flat below her.

"She had helped him out when he needed his phone charging, hot water or giving him small food provisions.

"She was well known in the local community and her family and friends are left devastated by her murder.

"Throughout the police interviews and subsequent investigation, Christian Darko showed no remorse or compassion for his victim who had only ever been kind to him.

"The disregard he showed for both his crime and Rose's family was borne out in court by his selfish and disruptive behaviour whilst hearing the evidence.

"This disruption has prolonged the family's agony in hearing the facts leading up to Rose's death.

"Christian Darko is a dangerous offender who has attempted to hide behind ignorance in failing to acknowledge what he has done.

"However the jury has seen through his lies and has delivered the correct decision.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the family who throughout this terrible time have acted with great dignity, composure and courage."

Darko will be sentenced later this afternoon.