A Southall man has admitted murdering a vulnerable 66-year-old in his own home and hiding his body for weeks while continuing to spend his money on gambling, sex workers and drugs.
Christopher Donnelly, 54, of Samara Drive, Southall, pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court on Monday (19 October 2026) to the murder of Michael O’Donnell, whose body was discovered in April 2025.
The court heard that Donnelly had spent years controlling and financially exploiting Mr O’Donnell, eventually moving into his home and stealing thousands of pounds from him.
Donnelly stabbed Mr O’Donnell to death in March 2025 before concealing his body beneath a mattress and piles of rubbish.
Police discovered the body on 23 April 2025 after being called to the property by the London Ambulance Service following concerns for Mr O’Donnell’s welfare.
Donnelly was arrested later that day and found in possession of three bank cards and a bus pass belonging to Mr O’Donnell.
CCTV footage showed Donnelly coming and going from Mr O’Donnell’s flat after his death, while bank records revealed he had been spending the victim’s money on gambling, sex workers and drugs.
Police were able to establish when the murder was likely to have happened with the help of forensic experts who examined insects and larvae found in the flat.
The evidence suggested Mr O’Donnell had been killed in March 2025, several weeks before his body was discovered. Detectives then used CCTV footage to trace Donnelly’s movements during that period.
Donnelly was charged with murder and fraud by false representation on 28 April 2025.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who led the Metropolitan Police investigation, said: “The facts of this case reveal a level of violence and callousness that is difficult to comprehend. The victim was attacked in the place where he should have felt safest, by someone who sought to exert control and exploit him for his own gain.
“Following the murder, the defendant made deliberate efforts to conceal both his crimes and Michael’s body – actions that were calculated, inhumane and deeply distressing. Michael was denied the dignity and respect he deserved, and his family were forced to endure unimaginable anguish.”
He added: “I hope today’s guilty plea provides Michael’s family with a measure of justice and allows them to begin to move forward.”
Donnelly will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on 11 December 2026.
