Killer faces life sentence for stabbing friend to death

A man has been convicted of murder after he stabbed his friend to death with a kitchen knife.

Killer Dean Johnson appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, April 7 where he admitted to stabbing his friend Paul Wilkinson to death on December 4 last year.

Johnson had met up with the 47-year-old the day before and stayed over at his flat on Church Walk in Walker.

The evening turned into a nightmare for Mr Wilkinson’s family when he was found dead the next morning with multiple stab wounds to the stomach.

Officers and emergency services were immediately called but Wilkinson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Johnson was arrested immediately and charged with murder.

The 52-year-old with no fixed abode appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to the murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr from Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team said: “This has been an incredibly upsetting time for Paul’s family, but yesterday’s guilty plea will thankfully spare them from any further distress caused by the case going to trial.

“While no sentence or result will ever bring Paul back, hopefully Johnson’s acknowledgement of his actions and the serious harm and devastation they caused, will serve as the first step towards the closure that the Wilkinson family deserve.

“As a Force we are committed to tackling serious violence and are working hard to reduce the devastating impact knife crime can have on people and their loved ones.

“I would like to thank all of the officers involved in this case for their hard work and assistance in preparing a solid evidential file which has resulted in a dangerous offender being brought before the courts, and pleading guilty.”

Johnson is due to be sentenced on Friday, June 10.