Man Jailed After Landlady Stabbing

A lodger has been jailed for at least 12 years for murdering his landlady during a drunken row.

Kenneth Sibbald, 62, was given a life sentence after he admitted to stabbing Ulrike Ireland with a kitchen knife during an argument at her home in Elizabeth Diamond Gardens, Laygate, South Shields.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Mrs Ireland had died of multiple injured after Sibbald "snapped" when the victim shouted at him late at night. The 59-year-old mother-of-two suffered five stab wounds, the court heard and died on the floor in the house they shared on 14 October 2008.

Sibbald was taken in by Mrs Ireland after his second marriage had broken down and he became homeless.

However, the 62-year-old, described as a "workaholic", was unable to find work and began to drink heavily.

The jury heard their friendship began to sour, and the victim told friend she was "sick of him" and wanted him out of her house.

Their friendship was also described as volatile, with neighbours saying that had often heard Mrs Ireland shouting at her tenant.

Judge Esmond Faulks said Sibbald must serve at least 12 years in prison before he can apply for parole.

The judge said: "During the course of that argument you stabbed Mrs Ireland several times with a kitchen knife causing her death.

"Why you did that remains a complete mystery."

Det Con Insp Ian Bentham, who led the investigation, added: "We acknowledge the guilty plea, which had spared relatives of Mrs Ireland any further distress.

"However, this was a brutal attack and a stark reminded of the devastation which can be caused by knives."

(JM/BMcC)