On January 12, 2022, Anthony Gardiner, 66, violently attacked 76-year-old John Coxon, a convicted child sex offender, at Coxon's home in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Coxon sustained a head injury during the attack and died in the hospital on March 25, 2022. Judge Martin Picton sentenced Gardiner to life in prison, requiring a minimum term of 20 years. He described Gardiner as a highly dangerous individual, emphasizing the lack of remorse displayed by the defendant.

During the trial, Judge Picton referred to the assault as a "brutal attack" and highlighted Gardiner's awareness of Coxon's frailty, stating, "You must have appreciated the risk an attack such as this carried." Gardiner's actions were reportedly celebrated by him, contrasting with the tragedy inflicted upon Coxon.

Gardiner pleaded guilty to murder in December 2024. The court revealed that Gardiner had previously exploited Coxon financially. In 2021, Coxon attempted to withdraw £500 to reward Gardiner for supposedly finding a lost wallet, but bank staff alerted the police due to concerns about Coxon's vulnerability.

Coxon, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes, was found on the floor of his kitchen by a caregiver on January 12, 2022. Following the attack, he was hospitalized with facial injuries, and medical examinations confirmed he had a traumatic brain injury that significantly contributed to his death due to kidney failure.

Gardiner was arrested shortly after Coxon's death, having previously boasted about the attack. Forensic evidence placed Coxon's blood on Gardiner's trainers. Initially denying responsibility during police interviews, Gardiner later admitted to the assault while in custody for other offenses and subsequently pleaded guilty in court.

Evidence disclosed in court revealed Gardiner had a history of violent crime, including previous convictions for robbery and assault. Notably, he was serving a five-year sentence for robbing a disabled man at the time of the trial.

Throughout the proceedings, Gardiner represented himself, making outrageous claims, including blaming the COVID-19 pandemic for Coxon’s death, while exhibiting clear indifference toward his actions.

Detective Inspector Adam Stacey commented on the case, stating, "Gardiner had exploited Mr. Coxon for money and later attacked him inside his own home... he will spend a lengthy amount of time behind bars."

The court concluded that while Gardiner intended to cause serious harm, there was no conclusive evidence that he set out with the intention to kill Coxon.