A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a pensioner.

Sukhkit Bains, 46, stabbed Michael Martin, 72, at a property in St Botolph’s Road, Worthing, on March 22.

One of Mr Martin’s family members found him at 6.30pm the same day with stab wounds and assault injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Footage from CCTV shows Mr Martin entering the property with Bains, of Brighton Road in Southgate, London, on March 20. That was the last time Mr Martin was seen alive.

A neighbour reported  hearing noises overnight from March 20 into March 21. Mr Martin’s phone went dead and has still not been found.

After not hearing from Mr Martin, a concerned family member contacted Bains, who was reported to have said Mr Martin was “in pain” but sleeping.

Bains was arrested in Crawley and charged with murder.

READ MORE: Teenager stabbed in town centre park in Halloween attack

During Bains’ trial, the court heard he had made efforts to conceal the murder by wiping clean a knife, turning over a blood-stained rug and putting his blood-stained clothes in the washing machine.

Following Bains’s guilty verdict at Isleworth Crown Court last month, Mr Martin’s family said: “He always had time for people, found solace in making friends, and would do anything to help anyone.

“We had the best dad in the world. He was our hero and he taught us to love, to be kind, and to always look after each other.

The police cordon at the scene in March The police cordon at the scene in March (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) “There are simply no words to describe the level of pain and loss we continue to feel.

“Our dad met a violent predator that preyed on the vulnerable. He has taken away the last precious years we had with our dad and grandad.

“This act is something we will never be able to comprehend or forgive."

Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “Bains carried out a sustained and violent attack on Mr Martin in his home.

READ MORE: Woman arrested in quiet close in fraud investigation

“He then tried to conceal his crime and left the property, while also lying to Mr Martin’s family about what had happened.

“We launched a murder inquiry and Bains was swiftly located and arrested.

“This was a distressing case for the victim’s family, and we were determined to get justice.

“We welcome the guilty verdict and the sentencing. It is clear that Bains is a dangerous offender, and he will serve a significant prison sentence.”

Today, November 1, Bains was sentenced to life in prison at Isleworth Crown Court, with a minimum term of 22 years before he can be considered for parole.