Donovan Calder stamped repeatedly on his victim’s head

A mentally-ill gambler who killed a man by repeatedly stamping on his head in a betting shop has been given a three-year supervision order.

Donovan Calder, 54, attacked Eric Mills in front of shocked customers in Ladbrokes in Harlesden High Street, Harlesden, in January 2008.

Mr Mills suffered internal bleeding from an area of bruising on the brain as a result of his injuries.

He was left bedbound in hospital and unable to speak more than two words before he died in December 2009.

Months after the attack, Calder, who lived in Crome Road, Willesden, at the time, was convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent and detained at a mental health unit.

Following Mr Mills’ death he was arrested and charged with murder.

He had denied the charge but admitted manslaughter due to diminished responsibility which was accepted at an earlier hearing in April.

On Monday, Calder, who is still residing in a mental health unit, was sentenced at the Old Bailey.

During Calder’s first trial in 2008, the court heard he lashed out when Mr Mills asked him for money he was owed.

Calder told police he had been attacked first and acted in self defence.

In a prepared statement, he said: “I Donovan Calder was at Ladbrokes in Harlesden High Street when a man I know as Eric assaulted me.

“I defended myself until I felt I was safe from death.”