A murderer who stabbed to death his friend while he slept has been sentenced to life imprisonment.
Frank Donnelly, 34, of Lower Hazel Close, Blackburn, was told he must serve at least 25 years at Preston Crown Court this afternoon.
Donnelly admitted killing his friend, 42-year-old David Magee yesterday, partway through the trial at the conclusion of the prosecution case, just before he was due to give evidence.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Neil Hunter from the Force Major Investigation Team said, "I am pleased with the conviction and sentence although no time in prison will ever bring David back.
"The fact that Donnolly pleaded guilty partway through the trial is no comfort to the family. He has still put numerous witnesses through the ordeal of giving evidence and the family had to sit through numerous days listening to that evidence which was extremely distressing for them.
"It further emphasises that not only is Donnolly a violent bully who was prepared to take advantage of a vulnerable, harmless man who was not in a position to defend himself but he is also a coward who has shown no remorse whatsoever.
"This was a well determined, premeditated, unprovoked and brutal attack by someone who the victim thought was a friend.
"I accept that David may not have been Donnolly’s original target but the fact that he turned his anger and violence on him in the house is quite disgraceful and unforgiveable.
"Donnelly must suffer the consequences of his actions."
"I would like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and Counsel for their work on this case and finally our thoughts remain with David’s family and I hope the fact that brining Donnolly to justice for this heinous offence can give them some closure and that they can continue to grieve for their loss."
David McGee, 42, was found stabbed to death at his home in Grindleton Road, Blackburn, on 2 March.
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