Warrington man jailed for life after killing man in his own home
Billy Moore died after being stabbed several times on his doorstep
A Warrington man who stabbed a man to death in his own home, because he thought he had scared his daughter, has been jailed for life.
James Ireland, 41, of Lodge Lane, Bewsey, Warrington, will spend at least 19 years behind bars after being found guilty of the murder of 31-year-old Billy Moore.
An angry Ireland knocked on Mr Moore's home on Yardley Avenue on 22 December 2022 after his daughter told him that Mr Moore had shouted at her and his cousin in the street a few minutes earlier.
Ireland stabbed Mr Moore several times in the chest, face and throat and left him collapsed bleeding in his hallway.
He died a short time later, despite the best efforts of paramedics.
Ireland's daughter and cousin saw the murder and as he walked away, the 41-year-old told them not to say anything. He then tried to cover his tracks and hide from police.
After he was arrested, Ireland admitted stabbing Mr Moore, but said it was in self-defence.
However, a jury at Liverpool Crown Court found him guilty of murder after a six-day trial.
Senior Investigating Officer DI Eli Atkinson said:
"Ireland disposed of the knife and his blood stained clothing, which was never found, and kept a low profile before eventually handing himself in with a concocted story – a story which we were able to disprove as we made our enquiries. He maintained throughout his trial that he had acted in self-defence, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
"The level of violence he used in response to a minor incident was entirely disproportionate and resulted in Billy Moore losing his life. Billy’s murder had a huge impact on those close to him and on the local community, particularly happening only a few days before Christmas. I hope that the conviction of James Ireland will bring some closure to Billy's family, loved ones and friends and I would like to thank all those within the local community who supported the investigation and all of the officers from across Cheshire Constabulary who were involved."
Senior Crown Prosecutor Mikayla Kitchen of CPS Mersey Cheshire said:
"Billy Moore’s life was taken in a brutal way for such a meaningless reason - that James Ireland was angry he had ‘frightened’ his daughter. So he stabbed him to death.
"James Ireland claimed that he was acting in self-defence but he had no injuries suggesting this was untrue. He and Billy Moore knew each other, they lived only a few streets away from one another. Less than an hour before the killing, they had bumped into one another near a local shop and hugged as they parted.
"The only reason Billy Moore opened the door to James Ireland was because he trusted him, which makes this such a tragedy.
"The Crown Prosecution Service would like to extend condolences to the family and partner of Billy Moore."
Mr Moore's family said:
"We want to thank each person that has offered kindness, support, and prayers on behalf of our family. That support is deeply felt and appreciated.
"We sincerely appreciate the love and kindness shown to Billy from all those who tried to save him, those who sought justice for him and those who showed bravery and maturity beyond their years in coming forward to tell the truth.
"While today's verdict will ensure that no other family suffers from the pain and violence James Ireland brought into our lives, we will never get Billy back and we are left with grief and sorrow. Our family will always grieve the loss of Billy."
Mr Moore's partner said:
"Billy was a kind, caring and fun-loving man, who was always making me laugh. Losing him will affect me for the rest of my life and I will struggle knowing I will never see him again.
"Billy was my fiancé and we were meant to spend the rest of our lives together, sadly that has now been taken from me. I wish to thank the courts for ensuring justice has prevailed."