Man convicted of murder after Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate stabbing
Andrew Darn was found with a single stab wound to the chest
Last updated 29th Aug 2024
A man has been convicted of the murder of North Tyneside man Andrew Darn.
Just after 9am on March 27 this year, police were called to Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate after receiving a report that a man had been stabbed.
Emergency services attended and found a man with a single stab wound to his chest.
The man, later identified as 35-year-old Andrew Darn, was assisted at the scene by members of the public who performed CPR until emergency services were able to attend.
Unfortunately, despite the efforts of medical staff, Andrew died at the scene.
Just an hour later, having fled the scene, 68-year-old Alder Willis attended Middle Engine Lane police station where he handed himself in – in possession of a kitchen knife used during the attack.
An investigation launched by the Major Investigation Team (MIT) revealed the assault came as a culmination of a long-standing dispute originally over parking amongst the two neighbouring premises – of which Willis was an owner and Andrew Darn, an employee.
An altercation the afternoon of the previous day led to Willis threatening Darn, saying ‘I’m going to kill you’. Willis then returned to work the next day armed with a knife in his pocket, and, following a short altercation, Willis stabbed Andrew.
Just after the assault, Willis, having fled to his home address, told his wife ‘I’ll see you in 15 years’ – before handing himself in, and admitting the offence in interview.
A day later, Willis, of Allanville, Camperdown, North Tyneside, was charged with murder and possession of a bladed article.
Today, following an almost two-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court, he was found guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article. He was remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced at the same court in the coming weeks.
Senior Investigating Officer in the case Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a truly tragic case in which a beloved family man has lost his life. Our thoughts very much remain with Andrew’s heartbroken loved ones as he leaves behind a fiancée and three beloved children.
“Today, a man has been found guilty of murder but no conviction or any length of sentence will ever bring Andrew back.
“There is never any justification for carrying a knife, or any weapon, but for Andrew’s death to come as a result of a disagreement over something as trivial as parking is truly reprehensible.”
Det Ch Inp Smith added: “We want to send a clear message to anyone who chooses to carry a weapon of any kind or believes that violence is acceptable that the consequences can be devastating.
“Look at the pain this tragedy has caused – not only could you take away someone else’s future and destroy the lives of their loved ones, but also ruin your own and those of your family and friends.”