A MAN who killed his flatmate and then tampered with security cameras at the property before fleeing has been jailed for six years.
Damien Lenihan, 37, of no fixed address admitted to the manslaughter of Marek Smalec, 48, at a hearing at Harrow Crown Court on Thursday, November 4.
Mr Smalec died as a result of a brain injury sustained by a single blow to the head at the flat in Uxbridge, London in July this year.
There was no evidence that a weapon had been used.
"While he may not have intended to kill Marek, Lenihan would have known he had injured him," said Detective Chief Inspector Claire Hine.
"However, instead of calling for help, he attempted to cover his tracks; this shows the sort of person he is."
Argument
Mr Smalec's lifeless body was found in his bedroom on the morning of July 5 by another tenant at the address.
Witnesses reported that Lenihan and Mr Smalec had been arguing prior to Mr Smalec's death.
Lenihan then packed his bags and fled the address before the body was discovered.
An investigation found that Lenihan had tampered with security cameras at the property prior to fleeing.
Analysis of his mobile phone also showed he had deleted information from his device.
He was traced by detectives to a hotel in Telford, Shropshire and was arrested on July 9.
When interviewed by officers following his arrest, Lenihan made no comment but subsequently pled guilty to manslaughter.
'First thoughts were for himself'
"As soon as Damien Lenihan had attacked Marek, his first thoughts were for himself," said DCI Hine.
"He left Marek injured in his bedroom and promptly packed his bags and fled."
She added: "This has been a terribly distressing time for Marek's family but I can only hope that Lenihan's admission to his part in Marek's death can help them move on from this tragedy."
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