One man has been sentenced to life imprisonment and another has been bailed pending a new trial for the killing of a Falmouth pensioner.

Kevin Cooper, 34, of Poldory View, Carharrack, will serve at least 28 years after he was convicted at Truro Crown Court on Thursday for murdering David Alderson, 72, from Old Hill, at Wheal Maid mine on January 17 last year.

Co-defendant Trewen Kevern, 21, of Godolphin Road, was released on bail pending a new trial date, as the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on his part in Mr Alderson's death.

During a trial lasting more than four weeks, jurors heard how Mr Alderson was beaten and then drowned in a pool at the old mine site, with his body - dressed in cycling gear - found the next day by dog walkers.

During the trial the two accused blamed each other for the killing, with Kevern claiming he had remained in the car while Cooper took the victim to the scene on the pretext of an illegal gun deal, while Cooper claimed Kevern had hit Mr Alderson with a large spanner, and had intimidated him when he tried to intervene.

The court was also told that Mr Alderson was killed for his life savings, estimated to be around £40,000, which he kept at his home in the same block of flats as Kevern's sister Tammy.

Detective Inspector Stuart Ellis, senior investigating officer, welcomed the verdict and said Mr Alderson's downfall was "being generous to those that befriended him."

He said: "Once it was known that he kept a large amount of cash at his home a plan was devised to murder him and steal his money.

“Mr Alderson was tricked into driving to a remote quarry at Wheal Maid, where he was brutally attacked and left to drown in a pond. His house keys were taken from him and used to enter his home to steal his money.

“From that point on a web of lies was spun to cover for Mr Alderson’s disappearance and the acquisition of his money. These lies have now finally come undone.

“This was a tragic and challenging incident for all those concerned. My thoughts now remain with Mr Alderson’s family.”

The jury had been sent out on Monday morning, and were dismissed on Thursday afternoon after being unable to reach a verdict in 23 hours of deliberation.