Police in Dudley have charged a man with murdering a pensioner in his Black Country home.

Jay Lee Gallier was arrested in Brierley Hill High Street yesterday following the discovery of the man’s body at an address in the town on Wednesday.

Gallier, aged 32, is accused of beating the 67-year-old to death inside his flat in Dean Court on The Promenade.

Forensic tests have since revealed the victim – formally identified as Barry Johnson – suffered ‘blunt force trauma’ injuries to his head and neck.

Gallier, of no fixed address, was questioned by detectives from the Homicide Unit and today charged with murder.

He is due to appear at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court tomorrow. Detective Inspector Wes Martin from the Homicide Unit, said:

“We understand the victim was a very private man. Our specially trained Family Liaison Officers are helping support his wider family during this difficult time.

“We’ve spoken with a number of local people and I’d like to thank them for the information they have shared and reassure them that this appears to be a tragic, isolated incident.”

Police are still asking for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in and around Dean Court at the time to get in touch via Live Chat, or by calling 101, quoting log number 3093 of 25 August.