A MAN has been jailed for at least 28 years after he was found guilty of murdering an East Lancashire pensioner at a disused quarry.

David Alderson, 72, was left to drown in a pond before his live savings were stolen from his home.

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Yesterday, a jury convicted Kevin Neil Cooper, 34, of Mr Alderson’s murder — but could not reach a verdict in relation to a second man, Trewen Nicholas Kevern.

The death of Mr Alderson, a retired driving instructor from Rawtenstall, was initially treated as an accident because he was wearing cycling attire when he was discovered.

But it later emerged that the keen cyclist had driven from his flat to the disused Wheal Maid mine, in Cornwall, where he died.

His body, which had sustained significant head injuries, was discovered by a dog walker.

During a five week trial, Cooper was accused of having beaten and drowned Mr Alderson on January 17, 2014, in order to take his life savings of up to £40,000.

Truro Crown Court heard that Cooper, of Poldory View, Carharrack, stole a safe key and went to the former driving instructor’s house, in Falmouth, to take the money.

Devon and Cornwall police said Mr Alderson had been ‘tricked’ into the meeting which led to his death.

Yesterday a picture of the victim’s house keys in the boot of a BMW car bought by Cooper the day after the murder, paid for with the victim’s money, were publicly released.

An image of Mr Alderson’s ring, which was given to a witness hours after the murder had been committed, was also issued.

Detective Inspector Stuart Ellis, senior investigating officer, said the force welcomed the conviction and life prison term.

He said: “We are pleased with today’s sentence. David Alderson was a 72-year-old man who lived alone in Falmouth.

“He was generous to those that befriended him and this ultimately was his downfall. Once it was known that he kept a large amount of cash at his home a plan was devised to murder him and steal his money.

“Mr Alderson was tricked into driving to a remote quarry at Wheal Maid, where he was brutally attacked and left to drown in a pond.

“His house keys were taken from him and used to enter his home to steal his money.

“From that point on a web of lies was spun to cover for Mr Alderson’s disappearance and the acquisition of his money. These lies have now finally come undone.

“This was a tragic and challenging incident for all those concerned. My thoughts now remain with Mr Alderson’s family.”

The trial heard that Mr Alderson was close to Kevern’s family, one of whom lived in a flat below him. Cooper, Kevern’s cousin, came to stay at the flat around Christmas 2013.

The jury failed to reach a verdict on Cooper’s co-defendant, Kevern, 21, of Old Hill, Falmouth, who was accused of murder by joint enterprise.

Devon and Cornwall police said they would consult the Crown Prosecution Service to consider the options for further action against the 21-year-old, of Godolphin Road, Falmouth.