A convicted killer who was on the run for several years has been found guilty of the murder of a former Watford police officer.

Sylwester Krajewski attacked Clive Porter, 63, on a stretch of the Grand Union Canal, near Aylesbury, in April 2021.

Clive was a well-respected retired police officer who was working for the Canal and River Trust and was visiting another boat along the canal at the time.

Krajewski approached Clive and then attacked him - he died at the scene from his injuries.

Watford Observer: Police at the scene last yearPolice at the scene last year

Krajewski, 50, was arrested on April 27 and charged on May 2.

When arrested Krajewski gave a false identity of Daniel Wisniewski, and a further legal proceeding at the same court was held to determine his true identity.

Krajewski is a convicted murderer, who in 1992 killed a husband and wife in the Torun district of Poland.

Watford Observer: Sylwester Krajewski (photo Thames Valley Police)Sylwester Krajewski (photo Thames Valley Police)

He was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment but absconded in 2005 and has been on the run ever since.

On Tuesday, February 22, he was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of one count of murder following a trial at Reading Crown Court.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 35 years’ two days later.

Hertfordshire Constabulary released a statement following the sentencing where they praised Clive as “the epitome of a steadfast and reliable Police Constable”.

Watford Observer: Clive Porter (image Hertfordshire Constabulary)Clive Porter (image Hertfordshire Constabulary)

Clive, from Tring, served as an officer in the Meriden and Garston area at some point in the 80s as part of his 30-year career with the force.

They said: “Though we can all agree that the right result has been achieved, it will never bring Clive back. His death is a huge loss to his community, as those who knew him tell us that he was an exemplary police officer and a dedicated family man.

“It’s clear he quickly gained the same admiration from his Canal and River Trust co-workers – and indeed all who met him – for his calm, dedicated and conscientious nature.

“Clive’s immeasurable loss will be forever felt by his family, friends, and colleagues. He will remain an inspiration to us all and will always be remembered for his unwavering dedication to policing.

“May he rest in eternal peace.”