Man sentenced following the murder of a friend in Newcastle
Dean Johnson, 52, fatally stabbed Paul Wilkinson, 47, in Walker
Last updated 10th Jun 2022
A killer who stabbed a man to death with a kitchen knife has been jailed for 17 and a half years.
Violent Dean Johnson appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today (June 10) where he was jailed for the murder of Paul Wilkinson.
The court heard how Johnson had met up with the 47-year-old on December 3 and stayed over at his flat on Church Walk in Walker.
They remained at the flat together until the following lunchtime, when for reasons known only to Johnson, after barricading them both into the living room, he attacked Mr Wilkinson, who had welcomed him into his home as a friend, in a vicious, sustained and unprovoked assault using knives from within the address, leaving Mr Wilkinson with multiple stab wounds to his chest and abdomen.
Officers and emergency services were immediately called and attended the address, but sadly Mr Wilkinson was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation was launched by detectives from Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) and Johnson was arrested and subsequently charged with murder.
On 7th April, the 52-year-old, of no fixed abode, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to murder, and has today appeared at the same court where he was jailed.
Speaking after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, said:
“This has been such a distressing time for Paul’s loved ones and I hope that today offers them their first step towards the closure they need and deserve.
“No sentence can ever bring Paul back, or change what has happened, but I am pleased the sentence handed down to Johnson reflects the severity of his actions and the serious harm and devastation he caused.
“There is never an excuse for violence or knife crime and I would like to reiterate the message that as a Force we are doing all we can to tackle this type of criminality.
“Finally, I would like to thank all of the officers, staff and partners in the criminal justice system for their hard work and dedication to this investigation. Their efforts helped to place a solid evidential file before the courts, resulting in a dangerous offender pleading guilty and being placed behind bars where he can no longer harm anyone.”
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