A man who subjected his best friend to a “horrific” hammer attack was caught after he was overheard discussing the killing on the bus.

Gary O’Neill, 32, inflicted deadly blows on Kenneth Ford at his bedsit in Colebrook Road, Birmingham, on 27 February, 2022.

Mr Ford, 30, was found around 5.40pm with bruising and puncture wounds across his body, including a 10p-sized wound by his temple.

He also had “defence wounds to his hands” where he had tried to protect himself during the “sustained and horrific” attack, West Midlands Police said.

Paramedics were unable to save his life and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

O’Neill fled Birmingham the following morning, boarding a bus to Glasgow.

He was overheard on the phone saying he had “straightened Ken out” and suggesting he needed an ambulance, the force said.

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A bus passenger raised the alarm with police, who intercepted O’Neill when he arrived in Glasgow, wearing blood-stained clothing.

DNA tests revealed Mr Ford’s blood was on his jogging bottoms, while phone analysis confirmed he was at the scene of the killing.

Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood, from the West Midlands Police homicide unit, said: “We heard from people who said O’Neill and Mr Ford were best friends.

“However, they regularly drank heavily and took prescription drugs.

“The attack was sustained and horrific and Mr Ford was found with defence wounds to his hands where he’d tried to protect himself.

“We’re grateful to the bus passenger who alerted police on hearing O’Neill on the phone and that allowed us to liaise with Police Scotland in time to intercept O’Neill when he arrived in Glasgow.”

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O’Neill was found not guilty of murder by a jury at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday.

However, during the trial, he offered a plea of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility, which was accepted by prosecutors.

O’Neill is due to be sentenced on 9 February next year.

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