Man who killed his brother in Blyth has been jailed for more than 17 years

James Rutherford, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday, March 7, after he killed his brother August last year.

Officers were called to the Duke’s Gardens area of Blyth during the early hours of August 2, and found Gary Wilkie, 46, with a serious stab wound to his leg.

Gary was treated at the scene of the incident by paramedics but sadly died a short time later.

Officers arrested Rutherford at the scene and charged him with murder, as well as possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place.

The 35-year-old pleaded guilty to both offences in November 2022 and has now received a life sentence with a minimum term of 17-and-a-half years behind bars.

After the hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Gary’s family said in a statement: “We are totally devastated about what has happened.

“This has been a very distressing time, and we would appreciate it if our privacy could be respected.”

Detective Chief Inspector David Johnson, of Northumbria Police, stated that the case highlights the “devastating consequences” of carrying a knife.

He commented: “The last six months have been incredibly difficult for Gary’s family and our thoughts remain with them. We will continue to offer them any support they need.

“This is another tragic case that highlights the irreversible and devastating consequences of carrying a knife and I hope it sends out a strong message to all our communities.

“I would like to thank the victim’s family and the wider community for their support and cooperation throughout this investigation, as well as a team of detectives who worked diligently to pull together a strong prosecution case.

“It was imperative that Rutherford had his day in court and we will continue to pursue perpetrators of knife crime and ensure they are brought to justice.”

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