Manslaughter sentence for man who stabbed ‘one in a million’ Kenton dad to death

A man has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars for killing a 'one in a million' Kenton dad.

Tony Nichol was leaving a friend's flat after an evening of celebration when Andrew Somerville stabbed him to death in front of his partner.

The 42-year-old killer lived next door to the friend’s residence and became involved in an altercation with Nichol.

Somerville grabbed a knife from within the address before fatally wounding Tony.

Emergency services attended the scene and found the 36-year-old father with serious injuries. He was rushed to hospital but sadly later died of his injuries.

Somerville, of Columbia Grange, Newcastle, was arrested a short time after the incident and questioned by detectives where he denied the allegation of murder.

The case was sent to trial at Newcastle Crown Court last month where a jury found him guilty of manslaughter.

On Thursday, July 8 he was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Nichol leaves behind a loving family including a young daughter.

His mum, Janet, said: "There are no words that can express the pain, trauma and heartache we are going through. Our son has been taken from us and he is not coming back.

"All we have left to keep us going is Tony's daughter, our granddaughter, who is only three years old. He will miss her first day of school, her Christmas nativity, her birthdays, her face as she meets Santa Claus, getting her GCSE results and her high school prom and all the massive experiences you want your parents to share.

"We will make sure he will live on each time we see her talk about her dad so his memory continues. I never want any mother to feel the devastation I have felt when I was notified on that night, when our world literally fell apart and changed forever."

Nichol's partner Natalie, who witnessed the tragic attack, added: "The night I lost Tony was the worst night of my life. The horrific night that changed our lives forever. I tried my very best to save him but I had to literally watch him die in front of me, something I want to forget but never can.

"Tony is my one in a million man, he would light up a room with his smile and would literally melt my heart."

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Brooks, who led the investigation, welcomed the sentence of manslaughter.

DCI Brooks said: “This has been a most tragic case and my thoughts remain with Tony’s family and all of his loved ones during what has been a devastating time for them. I want to commend their bravery throughout this investigation and subsequent court proceedings and thank them for their support and cooperation.

“When Somerville made the decision to pick up a knife, he destroyed more than just one life. He has robbed Tony of a future and Tony’s family of one with him in it.

“Somerville now starts a long sentence behind bars – giving him plenty of time to consider the devastating impact of his actions.

“I sincerely hope this acts as a reminder to everyone that no one wins where violence is concerned and the consequences of carrying a knife are severe.”