Man jailed for life for murder of Lee Wellard
Jan 21 2009 by Ross McCarthy, Birmingham Mail
A MAN was today starting a life sentence for murdering a father-of-two by plunging a knife into his neck at a party in Birmingham.
Kevin O’Keefe, attacked Lee Wellard at a party on the Wyrley Birch estate, near Erdington, in revenge for being taunted about being a paedophile, the city’s Crown Court heard. O’Keefe, 47, of Lakes Road, Erdington, denied murder.
When the jury returned its guilty verdict, it was greeted with clapping and cheering from a public gallery packed with friends and family of the victim, who had been described as a “larger than life” character.
Judge Richard Griffith-Jones told O’Keefe: “I am quite satisfied when you went back to the flat, although you had been insulted and taunted to some extent, you intended to kill Lee Wellard.
“I base that conclusion on the weapon you selected, and the force you applied, and the part of the body that you struck. Your response afterwards, simply by leaving the hapless Mr Wellard in the state he was in, leads me to the conclusion that the appropriate number of years before you can be considered for release is 15.”
During the week-long trial, there had been a substantial police presence following disturbances at previous court hearings.
more >>>
