Tributes have been paid to a man killed in a "senseless and brutal" murder over 50p coins.

Danny Bostock denied he was responsible for brutally stabbing Gordon McGhee, 52, in the bedroom of his flat in Forest Road, Colchester, in August to get his hands on Beatrix Potter 50ps.

But after six hours of deliberation, a jury unanimously convicted Bostock of murder and attempted arson.

Paying tribute after the verdict, Mr McGhee's family said: "Gordon was a kind-hearted, gentle soul. As a dad he was thoughtful, supportive, encouraging and a whole heap of fun and laughter.

READ MORE: Coin collector GUILTY over Beatrix Potter 50ps murder

"As a partner and friend he was loyal, generous, empathetic and witty. He found joy in a variety of things from his coins to playing chess and watching films.

"Most of his life was spent in the kitchen cooking up something amazingly tasty or outside relishing in nature.

"You could usually find him by a pond or lake relaxing doing some fishing, birdwatching and camping. More often than not, he'd be accompanied by one of his dogs."

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Truss, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “My thoughts are with Mr McGhee’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Chelmsford Weekly News:

  • Danny Bostock

“Gordon McGhee, by all accounts, was a well-liked man and his death was a great shock to everyone.

“I don’t believe that Bostock shows any remorse at all for taking Mr McGhee’s life. His continued lies, including trying to pin the murder on an innocent man and his denial of owning the trainers that we knew were key to this investigation, show that.

“His attack on Mr McGhee was senseless and brutal. He is an incredibly dangerous man and I hope he is sent to prison for a long time.”

Bostock will be sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on March 19.