A grieving family has been left fuming as a man who stabbed his neighbour to death was unanimously cleared of murder and manslaughter. Jeffrey Kelly, 56, was unanimously cleared by jurors, after over six hours of deliberations, for the murder of Derek Burns, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Liverpool Crown Court previously heard at trial that the incident occurred earlier this year, when the pair had been drinking together with fellow tenants David Bowness and Gemma Buxton on May 15. The afternoon was going well before an argument ensued over building work between Kelly and Burns.
Burns then followed Kelly back to his apartment and began trying to kick his door in after it was closed on him. The defendant then picked up a steak knife and opened the door.
At which point, Kelly claims Burns attacked him and he acted out of self-defence to stab him three times. Twice in the chest and once to the upper neck, resulting in his victim's death aged 49.
The killer has now walked free from court after the unanimous verdict delivered from jurors at Liverpool Crown Court. Kelly put his head back in relief as the verdict was read.
But Burns grieving family were left furious by the decision. One man stormed out of the courtroom, slamming a door as he left, before being followed by a woman who shouted: "So what, he's not guilty of murdering someone?"
Judge Denis Watson KC told jurors: "Cases like this are really difficult. It is very evident to me that you paid the closest attention to all the issues in this case - you did so much with such diligence and patience, and I thank you for it"
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