Man who killed neighbour in stabbing attack jailed

Draper claimed he acted in self-defence but the jury convicted him of manslaughter

A man who killed his neighbour in a stabbing attack and was arrested the next day when he returned to the house to get his trainers has been jailed.

Kevin Draper, 55, stabbed Jack O'Brien several times at the house in Siddow Common, Leigh, on 3 December last year, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The 27-year-old managed to get out of the house but he died from his injuries.

Draper was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter at Manchester Crown Court and was sentenced to 11 years.

Jack O'Brien was stabbed after letting Draper into his house

GMP said officers followed a trail of blood back to Draper's home.

He was arrested the next day after going back for some trainers.

Draper claimed he acted in self-defence but he was convicted after a trial.

Jack's mother Tracy O'Brien said: "The drive home from the hospital was the longest drive ever.

"I came back to an empty house and sat in Jack's bedroom.

"Even now, I haven't changed anything in that room, even his bedding."

She said Draper had "viciously attacked" her son.

"I will never be able to touch, hear or hug my boy again, I just have memories, pictures and his ashes, Ms O'Brien added.

"I don't eat or sleep, and when I do sleep I don't want to wake up because the reality is Jack."

Draper was arrested by police waiting outside his home after he went back to get his trainers

Det Insp Matthew Hamer said the sentence reflected "the severity of Draper's actions and the tragic loss of Jack O'Brien".

He added: "Our thoughts remain with Jack's family and friends during this difficult time.

"We hope this outcome brings some measure of closure to those affected by Draper's actions."