The widow of a former gangster has spoken of her fury at the man jailed for his killing.

Tina Joseph, 35, had been the partner of William ‘Billyboy’ Martindale for 17 years, before his murder in September last year.  

Paul Groves, 34, of Queensway in Ongar, was jailed for life this morning at Chelmsford Crown Court after being found guilty of clubbing Mr Martindale to death with a pickaxe handle in a row over drugs.

Ms Joseph said: “I am so angry that his dispute with Paul Groves got out of hand and left my children fatherless.

“I am even more angry that Billy was assaulted in front of his children, and Paul Groves should be ashamed of himself for allowing this to happen.”

Mr Martindale, 39, of Cripsey Avenue in Ongar was well-known in his home town after moving there from Chigwell.

He had published an autobiography detailing a life of crime, but told the Guardian in 2011 that he had put his violent past behind him and was doing voluntary work. 

The court was told he had spoken to Groves on the day of the murder about payment for cannabis plants. 

At 9.15pm Groves knocked at the gate of Mr Martindale’s smallholding at Meadow View Farm in Mill Lane.

Groves punched Mr Martindale several times before swinging the pick axe handle at his head.

A friend of Mr Martindale, Paul Meeking, 55, of Barking, was also attacked by Groves and was taken to hospital by the paramedics who found Mr Martindale dead at the scene.

Groves was arrested within hours nearby, and charged with one count of murder and one count of causing grevious bodily harm with intent.

He was found guilty on both counts and given a life sentence for the murder with a minimum tariff of 23 years.

He was sentenced to 10 years for the assault to run concurrently.

Ms Joseph said: “These past few months have been quiet and we have certainly felt the loss of Billy.

“Our lives are empty without him as he brought character to our day.

”My children and I would like to thank other members of the family, friends and neighbours who have supported or offered support throughout the past eight months. They have been invaluable.

“We miss Billy dearly and life isn’t the same without him. We can now hopefully rebuild our lives and plan for the future.

“We must not dwell on the past.”