A killer who stabbed a dad to death in front of his partner has been cleared of murder.
Tony Nichol had just left his friend's flat with his girlfriend when he was stabbed by Andrew Somerville, who lived in the block. Somerville knifed Mr Nichol, 36, in the chest and side, causing a "catastrophic" injury from which he died.
Somerville, 42, had claimed he was acting in self-defence. A jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him not guilty of murder but guilty to manslaughter by a majority of 10 to 2. He will be sentenced on a date to be fixed.
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It was on the afternoon of December 9 last year that Mr Nichol and his girlfriend went to visit friend, Mark Wright, and his partner on the top floor of a block of flats at Columbia Grange, Kenton, Newcastle. The court heard Somerville lived in the flat below Mr Wright.
Later that night, when they were leaving, coming down stairs and going past Somerville's flat, Mr Nichol was stabbed. His partner said they were laughing and carrying on as they made their way down a communal staircase before the injuries were inflicted.
During the trial, prosecutor Caroline Goodwin QC said: "Tony Nichol suffered a number of sharp force injuries, ie stab wounds, including in the left side of his chest and his left flank, ie left side. The wound to his chest was catastrophic and it caused blood loss around his heart and into his chest cavity.
"He would have been capable of meaningful movement for only a few minutes, maximum, after the infliction of that stab wound. Having made it downstairs he collapsed outside the block of flats." Despite efforts by his partner and medics, Mr Nichol died.
The court heard both men had their problems and were drug users who knew each other and had previously crossed paths in prison. Jurors were told "the fact there was a little history between them appears to have reared its head in the recent months leading up to this tragic event".
Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Brooks, who led the investigation welcomed the outcome of the case.
Det Chief Insp Brooks said: “Our thoughts remain with Tony's family during this difficult time. I want to commend their bravery throughout this investigation and I hope today's outcome can help give them solace that justice has been brought for their much-loved dad, son and brother."
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