Man who killed his father, left his body in a cardboard box behind a shed and then used 67-year-old's bank card is jailed - as drone footage shows freshly dug grave

A man who brutally killed his own father and hid his body in a cardboard box behind a shed has been jailed for more than 18 years.

Thomas Sykes, 41, from Burton-on-Trent, has been sentenced to 18 years and seven months behind bars for the murder of his 67-year-old father, Tony Sykes.

The chilling case unfolded after police were called to the pairs flat in Tamworth, on the afternoon of 19 August 2022, following concerns that Tony had not been seen for several days.

Officers arrived at the ground-floor flat the two men shared and quickly became suspicious of Thomass behaviour. A search of the garden soon led to the horrifying discovery.

Tonys lifeless body was found stuffed inside a cardboard box in a shed behind the building. 

Shockingly, a freshly dug grave sized hole was uncovered nearby in the garden, along with gardening tools left close to the scene.

Thomas was immediately arrested on suspicion of murder.

Thomas Sykes, 41, from Burton-on-Trent, has been sentenced to 18 years and seven months behind bars for the murder of his 67-year-old father, Tony Sykes

Shockingly, a freshly dug grave sized hole was uncovered nearby in the garden, along with gardening tools left close to the scene

Grim forensic analysis later revealed blood stains on the carpet and a cabinet in the front bedroom. 

Investigators also found two sections of blood-soaked carpet that had been cut away and dumped inside a black bin bag hidden in a grey wheelie bin.

A post-mortem confirmed that Tony had suffered significant head and facial injuries, and had died several days before his body was discovered.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Thomas denied any involvement in his fathers death during multiple police interviews. 

He claimed he had found Tony dead on the floor and, panicking, had placed his body in a box while preparing to bury him.

But after a two-week trial at Stafford Crown Court, a jury found Thomas guilty of murder last week.

He returned to court today to be sentenced.

Investigators also found two sections of blood-soaked carpet that had been cut away and dumped inside a black bin bag hidden in a grey wheelie bin

Detective Superintendent Cheryl Hannan, speaking after the hearing, said: This is a tragic case of the death of a man at the hands of his own son. I am pleased with the sentence and that that justice has been served.

She added: We would like to thank the witnesses who, due to their diligence and looking out for their neighbour, ensured Tony was found and could be laid to rest appropriately. We would also like to thank the witnesses who came and gave evidence during the trial ensuring justice for Tony.

The court also heard that after killing his father, Thomas used Tonys bank card in the days following the murder.

Drone footage released by police captured the ominous sight of a freshly-dug hole in the garden, believed to have been intended as Tonys makeshift grave.

Neighbours said they were shocked by the incident and described Tony as a quiet but friendly man who always said hello.