A man who murdered a stranger in a violent attack following a night out in Leyton has been sentenced to life in prison.

Irvingas Makasejevas, 40, of Sebert Road, Forest Gate, will serve a minimum of 26 years for after being today (Friday, July 22) at the Old Bailey for the murder of Edgaras Kondrotas, 28, in January.

The jury found Makasejevas guilty, on Tuesday, (July 19) after deliberating for an hour and 20 minutes.

Victim Mr Kondrotas, a Lithuanian national living Goodmayes, was found dead at an address in Sebert Road on January 12 this year.

The court had previously heard how on January 11, Mr Kondrotas had been drinking in the Leyton area with his girlfriend.

He was then thought to have travelled to Sebert Road, after suggestions he had been attacked in the High Road at around 11.30pm.

In the early hours of the following morning, between 12.40am and 2.03am, he was in the company of Makasejevas, who he is believed to have met that night, in and around the area of Sebert Road.

At about 5.30am, Makasejevas was then captured on CCTV leaving Sebert Road. Despite the cold weather he was partially dressed and not wearing any shoes.

Some 10 hours later, Makasejevas attended Forest Gate Police Station and told officers that “A man had died in his room.”

Police officers attended the address and found the body of Edgaras Kondrotas.

Makasejevas was arrested and taken into custody, where he told officers that he had been drinking in his room with Edgaras and had let him sleep on his floor, only to wake up and find him dead.

Makasejevas was bailed whilst the investigation continued.

On Wednesday, January 20, detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command re-arrested Makasejevas and charged him with murder.

A statement released by Mr Kondrotas’ mother and father, Audra and Vaclovas, said: “The death of Edgaras has been the biggest impact that we have ever had in our family.

“I wish it was me or his father who died instead. We have lost our child, our very good child. He was so very good at heart, generous and supportive. He would always help others before himself.

"His brothers will never see him again coming back with a smile or with a football like they used to. They will never be able to hug each other again.

“His life has been taken too early. He had all his life in front of him. All that was taken away from him.

"We are beyond our breaking point. Losing our child is like taking away our lives. We have nothing to look forward to anymore; our hearts are empty, in despair.

“The grief is unbearable. Every time the phone rings from abroad we are hoping to hear Edgaras voice- our beloved child's voice.

“He will remain in our hearts and his childhood memories will live with us forever.”