Teenager arrested over David Gard murder

Jun 5 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

A TEENAGER was arrested today on suspicion of murdering a 64-year-old man with learning difficulties.

David Gard was battered to death as he slept upstairs in bed at his home in Adelaide Road, Kensington, in the early hours of March 13.

After the beating, described as “gratuitous” by detectives, four fires were deliberately started in separate rooms downstairs in an apparent bid to cover up the crime.

Today Merseyside Police said they had arrested a 19-year-old man, in Brownlow Hill, in the city centre, in connection with the investigation.

He is being quizzed at a police station on Merseyside.

A £10,000 reward was put up for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

So far two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and two people on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They were all later released on bail.

Neighbours said since the death of his epileptic wife Pat 18 months ago Mr Gard had befriended a group of people who cruelly targeted him.

Residents say drug users and prostitutes would often call at his house in the middle of the night.

After his wife died, Mr Gard had started to go to pubs in Wavertree or London Road where he became friendly with punters.

Friends were so concerned about Mr Gard they put him in touch with council social services.

Police are still appealing to anyone who may have information which could help them with their inquiries to contact them.

Anyone with information can ring detectives on 0151 777 8673 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.