A businessman has been found not guilty of murdering his sister's partner when he slashed his throat on Christmas Day.
Adam Jenkins, 36, has been standing trial at Newcastle Crown Court accused of the murder of Simon Birch on December 25 2021. On Wednesday, after almost eight hours of deliberation, jurors found Jenkins not guilty of murder, but were then told to deliberate further regarding the alternative charge of manslaughter.
The jury later returned on Thursday afternoon where they reached a guilty verdict of manslaughter. Due to a reporting restriction, the publishing of the not guilty murder verdict was postponed until the manslaughter verdict was delivered.
Jenkins killed Mr Birch, 39, during a festive family gathering at his home by slashing his throat outside after trouble flared inside. During the trial, the jury saw the attack on footage that had been captured on cameras at Jenkins' large detached home in Newbottle, between Houghton-le-Spring and Sunderland.
The court heard there had been a history of domestic violence incidents between Mr Birch and Jenkins' sister, Emma. When trouble erupted late on Christmas Day, Jenkins was put in the kitchen by his partner while Mr Birch ended up being escorted from the house. Jenkins then spotted Mr Birch outside, armed himself with three knives and used one of them to slash his throat.
The incident was captured on CCTV and an edited clip was shown to the jury. The footage cut off before the moment which shows Mr Birch having his throat cut but showed Mr Birch walking outside before Jenkins was seen jumping over a wall and approaching Mr Birch, who had his arms outstretched.
Giving evidence, Jenkins admitted holding a knife in his hand and that he caused the fatal injury but denied deliberately slashing him and said he couldn't recall doing so. Jenkins said he was friends with Mr Birch as he was going out with his sister and they were both builders and would help each other out. He said he was aware Mr Birch had some criminal convictions.
Jenkins had worked as a bricklayer before setting up his own agency providing bricklayers to others in the construction business. The business was successful and he was able to buy a large house called Willowbrae, where the Christmas gathering took place.
Mrs Justice Foster DBE told the court that Jenkins is likely to be sentenced at a later date which is to be set.
Detective Superintendent Jane Fairlamb, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This is another tragic case that highlights the real and irreversible consequences of carrying a knife.
“For this to happen on Christmas Day is especially poignant for Simon’s family – what should have been a time of celebration and togetherness ended in the most devastating of outcomes.
“Our thoughts remain with them as they attempt to come to terms with the events of the last 18 months, and while no outcome can remove the grief they are facing, I hope they can take some comfort knowing the person responsible for Simon’s death has been brought to justice.
“There are never any winners when it comes to knife crime and I sincerely hope this sends a strong and sobering message across the North East.
“To anybody who carries a knife or weapon, please think again - you risk ruining more than one life forever.”
If you have any information about anybody you believe may be carrying a knife or a weapon, please report it to police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.
You can also pass on information via independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
