Essex Police officers have praised the courage of a murder victim’s family after his killer was found guilty of his murder in what they described as a “sustained and violent attack”.

Steven Keeble, 37, of Moss Close, Basildon, was found guilty of the murder of John Masser after a 13-day trial at Basildon Crown Court.

Police officers were present at court as the verdict was read to deter any outbreak of disruption between the families of the victim and the defendant.

Det Insp Alan Pitcher, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “On a Sunday, early evening last October, Keeble brutally attacked Mr Masser, subjecting him to a sustained and violent attack.

“He punched him to the ground and repeatedly kicked and stamped on his head while in a rage.

“He fled the scene and then denied the assault when he was arrested by the police.

“By the end of the attack, Mr Masser was lying critically injured.

“He survived for a few days, but these injuries, viciously inflicted by Keeble, had done too much damage.

“My thoughts are very much with the family of Mr Masser.

“I hope that yesterday’s verdict will be of some comfort to them.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Masser’s family for working with us throughout what has been a very difficult time for them and all of the witnesses who bravely attended court to give evidence.”

Mr Masser, who was a dad-of-three, was described by his family as an “amazing guy” who “brought out the best in people no matter how low you were”.

He loved Chelsea Football Club and was also a fan of Madness.