A Tilbury bricklayer has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 45-year-old Peter Gould in the town last year.

Phillip Battie, 33, of Cowper Avenue, Tilbury, was convicted at Ipswich Crown Court.

Mr Gould died in Basildon Hospital in April after being stabbed in his Quebec Road home.

After the verdict, his mother, Mary Gould, said: "I would like to thank all those who supported my family and in particular, Essex Police and the victim support service

"Whatever the outcome, nothing was ever going to bring back my beloved son Peter.

"I am satisfied that the justice system has properly dealt with Peter's tragic death."

The senior investigating officer, Det Supt Gareth Wilson, added: "We are satisfied with the court's verdict, but our thoughts are with Peter Gould's family."

Published Wednesday, January 15, 2003

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