Knife murderer Philip Craggs could soon be freed from prison. Craggs was jailed for life for stabbing young dad-to-be Paul Gilbert to death, in Newcastle, in 2008.
The senseless street attack left Paul's unborn child without a father and his family devastated. And now Paul's loves ones are coming to terms with the fact that his murderer could soon be back on the streets.
Craggs' release is set to be considered at a parole hearing which will be scheduled sometime in the coming months, the Chronicle understands. And today the mother of Paul's child has told of her anger that the man who robbed her son of his father could soon be free.
The mum, who the Chronicle has agreed not to name, said: "If you take a life off someone then your sentence should be lifelong.
"It’s me and my son who have the life sentence. He did not show any remorse at the court case so 15 years later he will no doubt have none.
"My son's life hasn’t even properly started yet and Craggs might be getting out and restarting his life. It's just so upsetting."
Paul, who was also known as Paul Veith, had only recently discovered he was going to be a dad when he was killed. The 22-year-old was so excited he proudly carried a copy of his son's scan picture with him wherever he went.
But the young family's future was ripped away after Paul accidentally bumped into Craggs, who was with his twin brother Mark, near an off-licence, on Welbeck Road, in Walker, on February 13, 2008. Newcastle Crown Court heard how a row broke out, during which Paul ‘foolishly’ said he would fight the brothers, but he fled when Phillip Craggs brandished his knife.
Paul repeatedly said he was sorry as he ran for his life, but he was tripped and overpowered. Craggs then stabbed him three times.
Despite his horrific injuries Paul was able to stagger to nearby Alfred Street. But he soon collapsed. Paul spent more than two weeks in a coma after the brutal attack, before he died on February 28, 2008.
Craggs, then 26, of Emily Street, Walker, admitted murder and was jailed for life with a minimum of 15-and-a-half years.
Mark Craggs, then of Willington Quay, Wallsend, admitted affray after tripping Paul which allowed his brother to catch and kill him. He was jailed for 21 months.
Paul’s son was born six months after the fatal attack. He was named Paul junior after the dad he will never meet. And the pride his mum feels as she watches him grow into a caring young man remains tinged with sadness.
She added: "He’s nearly 15 and he’s currently doing his mock GCSE exams. He’s sports and football mad and always at the gym or playing football with his mates. His dad would be very proud."
The Chronicle understands Craggs' parole hearing will take place sometime between September and March.
