a man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Darren Leach at his home in Leeds.
William Joyce, 38, of Woodview Terrace, Beeston, was unanimously convicted of murder and theft following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. He was sentenced on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, and will serve a minimum of 25 years in prison.
Darren Leach’s body was discovered by friends at his home on Marsden Grove, Beeston, on the morning of 19 March. A post-mortem examination revealed that while Darren had suffered burn injuries and inhaled carbon monoxide from a smouldering fire inside the property, he had also sustained severe injuries prior to the fire.
The pathologist found seven broken ribs, fractures to Darren’s larynx, facial bruising, and a black eye. These injuries were determined to be life-threatening and the result of an assault that left him incapacitated and unable to escape the fire.
CCTV evidence showed Darren returning home at around 4.50pm on 18 March with no visible injuries. Five minutes later, Joyce was seen arriving at the address and entering the property. Darren was not seen alive again. At approximately 6.20pm, Joyce was captured leaving the house carrying Darren’s television in a bag.
No other person was seen entering or leaving the property before Darren’s body was found the following day.
Witnesses told the court that Darren had been carrying a large amount of cash intended for rent and that Joyce was aware of the money and had been demanding it.
Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson said Joyce exploited Darren’s vulnerabilities and went to his home intending to steal cash or property. She added that although the cause of the fire could not be confirmed, the injuries inflicted by Joyce played a significant role in Darren’s death.
The court heard the verdict brings some measure of closure to Darren Leach’s family and friends following an extremely difficult year.
