Man, 30, convicted of the murder of Robert Jadecki

A man has been convicted by a jury of the murder of 44-year-old man Robert Jadecki.

In the early hours of June 16, 2021, Robert, who was homeless, was sleeping in Hester Street, Northampton, when 30-year-old Grant Richard Harding launched a violent and unprovoked attack on him.

During the attack, Harding punched, kicked and stamped on Robert, all while shouting abuse at him. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but sadly died later that day just after 9.30pm.

Emergency services were called and Harding, who was chased and detained by a member of the public, was arrested and subsequently charged with murder.

Following a trial at Northamptonshire Crown Court, a jury today (Friday, August 5), found Harding guilty of murder. He will be sentenced at the same court on a date to be confirmed.

Lead Investigator Detective Constable Josette Davis from the Major Crime Team at the East Midlands Special Operations Unit said: “This case is a really sad one and so I welcome the guilty verdict and the fact that Grant Harding will now be sent to prison for taking another man’s life.

“Being homeless does not make Robert’s death any less important than anyone else’s, and I really want to highlight this point. Hester Street was his home, and he was beaten to death in his sleeping bag, in an unprovoked and brutal assault.

“He didn’t deserve to die, and I am pleased that we have been able to give him the justice he deserves in the form of today’s result at court.

“I will remember Robert long after this case has finished. He was well-thought of at the Hope Centre as well as by the residents in Hester Street and it’s vital that he is remembered as an important part of Northampton’s community.”