A builder has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering a "beloved" woman from Dudley while renovating her home. 

Peter Norgrove, aged 40, from Sedgley, was sentenced to life at Wolverhampton Crown Court today (Wednesday, January 31) for killing Sharon Gordon in July last year and will serve at least 15 years before being eligible for parole. 

Self-employed Norgrove was a recently qualified bricklayer whose services had been recommended to Mrs Gordon by a friend at the church they both attended. 

The 40-year-old agreed to undertake extension work at Mrs Gordon's property two years ago but the work was proving problematic and was taking many months to complete. 

On July 21 2023, having not heard back following attempts to contact her, concerned friends called at Mrs Gordon's home in Bromford Road and found her at the foot of the stairs with severe head injuries. 

Sadly, Mrs Gordon has died the day before. 

Following an investigation into the death, West Midlands Police were able to determine through CCTV that Norgrove lied in his police statement about his actions after he left Mrs Gordon for the day and he was arrested.

Camera footage from Mrs Gordon's property captured on the day in question also showed Norgrove behaving in a manner that suggested he was involved in her death.

Following further enquiries, his movements were traced to a relative's address where blood-stained items were found in a wheelie bin. 

Dudley News: Sharon Gordon Sharon Gordon (Image: West Midlands Police)

Further searches of the address also revealed a lump hammer in the shed with traces of Mrs Gordon's blood on it. 

Norgrove was charged with Mrs Gordon's murder on July 26 and pleaded guilty to the offence at Wolverhampton Crown Court on December 4. 

Detective Inspector Damian Forrest said: "Mrs Gordon tragically lost her life following a violent attack by Peter Norgrove, which appears to have stemmed from him losing his temper after a disagreement over the work he was carrying out. 

"Mrs Gordon's friends and family have been deeply affected by her death and while Norgrove has now faced the consequences of his appalling actions, our thoughts remain with them as they continue to grieve." 

In a statement, Mrs Gordon's family said: "We remain devastated at the loss of our beloved sister Sharon and our lives will never be the same again.

"Sharon had much to live for, and no one could anticipate that renovating your home would end in murder. Sharon simply wanted to improve her home, but sadly she was brutally taken and will never enjoy any of its benefits.

"We would like to thank the CPS and police for convicting the defendant so swiftly. We would like to request that you respect our privacy."