A callous killer was given a life sentence today for a brutal stabbing in an Essex street.
Piers Westmore was knifed in the back before his murderer ran away.
But the killer was recognised and Mr Westmore's partner even shouted out his name as he ran from the scene.
Dean Martin, 25, denied the murder after a party and claimed he could not remember anything.
But it took a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court just 50 minutes to convict him unanimously.
Nigel Lithman QC, for Martin, said his client wanted to say sorry to Mr Westmore's family.
Martin, of Holly Walk, Witham, remained expressionless as he was told how long he would serve in prison.
After the case Mr Westmore's mother Joan said: "My poor son did not stand a chance. He (Martin) was a coward to go at him in the back. I know Piers could have stuck up for himself if he had approached him from the front," Mrs Westmore said.
She added: "I did not give birth to my son to have his life taken away like this. He was not a boozer and hardly ever went out. He was a devoted father and loved Michelle (his partner)."
As 31-year-old Mr Westmore was walking along Guithavon Street, Witham, after the party in December last year, Martin ran past him and plunged a knife into his back, striking his heart and lung.
Despite quick medical attention, Mr Westmore, of Osbert Road, Witham, died later in Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford.
Published Thursday August 12, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article