The family of murder victim Brian Heed has praised police for quickly bringing his killer to justice.
Richard Beane, 49, of Brunswick Close, Dereham, was jailed at Norwich Crown Court on Friday for a minimum 28 years for murdering Mr Heed, 69, in his own home at Boyd Avenue, Toftwood.
Mr Heed's brother Leslie said: 'On behalf of my family and myself I would like to thank chief inspector Marie James and her entire team for their hard work and dedication they put into this inquiry to bring justice for our beloved brother Brian. Also to the officers who have been by our sides since day one of the investigation right up to now, for this we can't thank them enough - they have been so kind and helpful, we don't know what we would have done without them.
'The last few months have been heartbreaking for all the family so will the media and press please respect our wishes and leave me and my family to grieve and try to get our life back.'
Beane caused 100 separate injuries, mainly stab and slash wounds, in a savage attack.
Beane met Mr Heed at Toftwood Social Club, where they were both regulars.
Mr Heed told his brother Beane had been using his house for a few days. He said Beane had lost his job and was about to lose his rental accommodation.
However, Mr Heed told Beane to get out of his home when he suspected him of rifling through some drawers, accusing him of stealing. Beane denied it, but later admitted to a psychiatrist that he had taken cash to spend on cigarettes, food and drink.
Mr Heed warned staff at Toftwood Social Club that Beane may attempt to steal from the till.
In an impact statement, Mr Heed's brother Leslie described Beane as 'evil' and said the barbaric act had caused all the family pain and anguish.
He said: 'Our family is now forever broken.'
He added that their lives had been 'changed forever' and the death of Mr Heed would always haunt him: 'To die for so little gain just doesn't make sense to any of us.'
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