Moment grinning assassin is arrested after battering pensioner, 79, to loss of life whereas on bail for threatening to kill two younger ladies – as he’s jailed for a minimum of 20 years

A Polish man who battered a pensioner to death on his doorstep while on bail for threatening to kill two women in their home has been jailed for at least 20 years. 

Philip Fracezek, 22, attacked 79-year-old Franklin Agbotui at his home in Soprano Court in Plaistow, east London, on May 15 2024. 

Mr Agbotui was savagely beaten after he asked Fracezek, then 20, to leave the block after he caught him sleeping in the corridor outside of his flat. The pensioner died five days later in Royal London Hospital.

Fracezek attacked the elderly father while on bail, after he broke into the home of two young women – nine days before – and threatened to kill them as he tried to get into one of their bedrooms. 

Footage shows police running after a fleeing Fraczek and capturing him, while he holds a grin on his face. 

The murderer was caught after he head butted one of the police officers. 

On Monday Fraczek, of Forest Gate, east London, admitted murder and two counts of making threats to kill at the Old Bailey. 

He was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years and four months, in what Judge Oscar Del Fabbro described as a ‘ferocious’ attack. 

Mr Agbotui, who had been a captain in the merchant navy, suffered a severe brain injury and fractures to his spine and ribs. His injuries were so severe police did not believe he was still alive.

His son Isaac Agbotui described his father as living a ‘quiet humble life, grounded in dignity, respect, perseverance, education and faith’, who was a ‘valued member of his church community.’

Prosecutor Eloise Marshall, KC, said the victim was ‘brutally attacked in his own home’, ‘beaten so severely that he died five days later at Royal London Hospital’.

She continued: ‘At the time of the attack the two men were entirely unknown to each other and at time of the attack Mr Fraczek was was drunk.’

A number of neighbours had become concerned that a man had entered the block of flats and was trying door handles, the Old Bailey heard.

At around 1.30pm a resident went downstairs after hearing someone banging and trying to get into the building. 

Fraczek, who was described as clearly drunk and smelt strongly of alcohol, claimed he was a decorator working in the building.

A separate resident found an intoxicated Fraczek behaving aggressively after he knocked on their door. 

Half an hour later, Fraczek was found asleep on the floor, stinking of alcohol – a smell ‘so strong it filled the corridor’.

The police were called for the second time, when Mr Agbotui told Fraczek to leave as he threatened to call 999 again. 

Ms Marshall said: ‘The neighbour who lived opposite told officers she had heard what she described as spluttering and then a man shouting.

‘She said the man was attacking Franklin who was trying to defend himself.

‘She said she could hear banging, screaming, “like they’re strangling him and they are killing him”.

‘After the attack Fraczek went downstairs and knocked on another neighbours door who let him in and tried to tell him about places he could stay.

‘Police arrived and noticed the back door was broken and made their way to the flat.

‘On entry they saw a large amount of mess and dirt, a pot plant knocked over and the premises in disarray.

‘Amongst the disarray the deceased lay lifeless, face down and the officers could see he was covered in blood.

‘His whole shirt had been ripped from behind and there was blood on it.

‘The injuries were so severe police didn’t believe he was still alive at the time.’

Police commenced CPR on Mr Agbotui at the scene. 

As Fraczek left the block, police shouted at him to stop, prompting him to run away. 

He was caught two streets away, with knuckles ‘covered in fresh blood’. Fraczek shouted ‘f*** off’ at the officers before head butting one.

Upon sentencing, Judge Fabbro said: ‘This was a prolonged and vicious attack with repeated stamping and kicking.

‘Your victim would have been defenceless against such ferocity. 

‘A nearly 80-year-old man being attacked by a strong, aggressive, young 20-year-old. 

‘This was on any view a senseless and pointless killing of a totally innocent man.

‘It was a result of your aggressive and violent temperament and the rage you were showing to anyone that crossed your path.

‘Tragically this respected, much loved elderly gentleman had the misfortune to encounter you.’

In their victim impact statement, Franklin’s family said: ‘Despite his modest nature, he was deeply present in our lives – offering guidance, checking in regularly and sending daily messages. He was a constant, steady source of support. 

‘Beyond our immediate family, he was an active and valued member of his church community, where his absence has also been keenly felt.

‘We continue to feel the absence of our father’s kindness, his humour and his guidance. The regular contact and reassurance he provided are no longer there, leaving a void in our daily lives.

‘His death has had a profound and far-reaching impact on our wellbeing, our sense of stability and our family as a whole. 

‘The consequences – emotional, practical and long term – remain ongoing, and we continue to navigate life without the presence and support that defined his role in our lives.’  

Fraczek had broken into the house of two young women in the Isle of Dogs on 6 May 2024. He banged on the door, breaking the lock, which forced them to hold it shut.

Ms Marshall said: ‘As Mr Fraczek was pushing and kicking the door he was screaming “I’m going to f-ing kill you”.

The other resident looked herself in her room and called 999. Fraczek was released on police bail after the incident.

He had since admitted two counts of making threats to kill. He also has a conviction for ABH in Poland.

Stan Reiz, KC, defending, said that Fraczek was sorry to Mr Agbotui’s family and would never act in that way sober.

‘But he accepts those were his actions and takes responsibility for those actions and accepts whatever punishment.’

He said Fraczek, who was born in England but lived in Poland for some of his childhood, was bullied at schools and began abusing alcohol.

Mr Reiz said he has had mental health issues throughout his life.

Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, whose team led this investigation, said: ‘Franklin was known to friends and neighbours as a kind and gentle man, often seen tending the flowers in their shared garden. 

‘He had a long and successful career in the Merchant Navy and had earned a happy retirement.

‘This was horrifically taken from him by Fraczek – whose unprovoked and savage attack has rocked this community.

‘I would like to thank the Met officers who put themselves in harm’s way to chase down Fraczek and detain him, bringing him immediately into custody and preserving vital evidence.

‘Our thoughts remain with Franklin’s family and friends, and hope the lengthy sentence can bring them some degree of peace.’