A Norwich man who murdered his friend in an "exceptionally violent and sustained attack" has been given a life sentence.
Arvydas Maliusis, 38, of Recorder Road, was found guilty of murdering 39-year-old Ilja Akatjevas at his home on College Street in Ipswich.
Emergency services were called to the address at 11.37am on December 23, but Mr Akatjevas was pronounced dead at the scene, with a post-mortem examination revealing he had died from head injuries.
During his trial at Ipswich Crown Court, jurors heard that Maliusis, a former kickboxer, had called police that morning and told officers his friend was dead.
He admitted to hitting him twice, but said: "There was no way my punches could have killed him."
A witness described how an evening of drinking turned violent, with Maliusis striking Mr Akatjevas repeatedly in the face for around five minutes.
Maliusis was convicted on July 21 and sentenced to serve a minimum of 18 years on August 6.
Det Supt Matt Adams said: "Today our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ilja Akatjevas.
"They have suffered the devastating loss of a loved one in the most tragic of circumstances, and we recognise the profound impact his death has had on all those who knew and loved him.
"Ilja lost his life as the result of an exceptionally violent and sustained attack.
"The ferocity of that assault was shocking and ultimately proved fatal."
Maliusis was arrested at the scene along with a 41-year-old woman who was told in February that she would face no further action.
Det Supt Adams praised the investigation team and said: "While no conviction or sentence can bring Ilja back, we welcome today's sentence and the fact that the person responsible for taking his life has been held accountable."
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