Life in jail for addict who killed over debt

Mar 14 2008 by Sam Wonfor, The Journal

A HEROIN addict who stabbed a fellow drug user to death on his doorstep after an apparent fall-out over a petty debt was jailed for life yesterday.

Christopher Purvis travelled to Paul Thompson’s home after arming himself with a knife and a meat cleaver and immediately attacked him when he answered the door.

The 23-year-old – who was under the influence of both heroin and drink – left defenceless Mr Thompson with multiple slash and stab injuries including six stab wounds to the chest, one of which penetrated his lung and severed a major artery.

“The only apparent motive was a dispute over a small amount of money owed by one to the other,” said Penny Moreland, prosecuting at Newcastle Crown Court.

The attack happened last October at the home Mr Thompson, 30, shared in Buttermere Close, Killingworth, North Tyneside, with his mother Loretta, who found his body behind the door when she returned home from work.

Mr Thompson, a machine operator, who began using heroin at the age of 20 and was on a methadone programme, had died rapidly from his injuries, the court was told.

Purvis, of Swinhoe Gardens, Wideopen, admitted murder and was jailed for life with a minimum 15 years behind bars before he can apply for parole.

Judge David Hodson said he accepted Purvis had intended to cause Mr Thompson serious harm, rather than kill him, but rejected his claim that Mr Thompson had attacked him first.

He told him: “I am quite satisfied you, under the influence of drugs and drink, armed yourself with the knife and meat cleaver and travelled to Mr Thompson’s home intent on attacking him. He had no chance to defend himself.

“This is yet another dreadful example, if one were ever needed, of the consequences that can follow from the consumption of or addiction to drugs, excessive taking of alcohol and all-too-ready resort to knives.”

Michael Murray, defending, said Purvis was from a disadvantaged background, began experimenting with drugs and as a result developed a full-blown addiction.

“Drugs had a great deal to do with why he is in the dock and why a young man tragically lost his life,” he said. “He is as remorseful as anyone can be as to what happened. He feels strongly a deep regret for having taken a life.”

In a statement after the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Barron said he was satisfied with the conviction and sentence.