A killer is facing life behind bars after pleading guilty to murdering his own brother.
James Rutherford pleaded guilty to killing Gary Wilkie, who was found stabbed to death in Blyth, Northumberland, in August. He also admitted possessing a bladed article.
The 34-year-old, of no fixed address, was told by Judge Paul Sloan KC, at Newcastle Crown Court, that he will be sentenced on January 12 next year, when he faces a mandatory life term.
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Mr Wilkie, 46, was found seriously injured when officers were called to an alleyway off Duke's Gardens, Blyth. Police said his injuries were consistent with having been caused by a blade. He was treated at the scene but pronounced dead a short time later.
Full details of what happened were not revealed during the short hearing but will be aired at the sentencing hearing.
Detective Inspector David Johnson, of Northumbria Police, said: “The last three months have been incredibly difficult for Gary’s family and our thoughts remain with them at this devastating time. We will continue to offer them any support they need.
“It was imperative that effective justice was served and, with the weight of evidence against Rutherford overwhelming, I am pleased he spared his family the anguish of having to prolong these proceedings further by taking this to trial.
“This is another tragic case that once again highlights the irreversible and devastating consequences of carrying a knife and I hope it sends out a strong message to the community.
“I would like to thank the victim’s family and the wider community for their support and cooperation throughout this investigation, as well as a team of detectives who worked diligently to pull together a strong prosecution case.”
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