Killer jailed for stab murder of dad-of-three

Samuel Dewulf changed his plea to guilty after the start of his trial for murder

A man has been jailed for life with a minimum of 15 years for fatally stabbing a father-of-three inside his home.

Justin Green was stabbed in the leg at an address in Braddock Court, Basingstoke, on 29 April and died at the scene

Samuel Dewulf, 43, pleaded guilty to murder four days into his trial at Winchester Crown Court.

Hampshire police described the attack as a "senseless and despicable act of violence".

Dewulf deliberately inflicted the fatal stab wound to Mr Green's left thigh, causing a 15cm-deep wound which led to catastrophic blood loss, police said.

He then attempted to dispose of the clothes he was wearing during the incident.

They were later found in woodland near Stratfield Road. DNA matching both men was found on the clothing, officers said.

Dewulf was later arrested at an address on Dollery Way.

He initially denied the charge and a trial began on Monday, but he changed his plea and was sentenced earlier.

Justin Green was stabbed at his home in Braddock Court in Basingstoke

In a statement, Mr Green's family said he had a "heart of gold".

“He should still be here with his family. However, due to somebody’s cruel and callous act, he isn’t.

“His memories will always remain, but he should be here with us making more. This breaks our hearts more than we can ever explain."

Det Insp Howard Broadribb said: “This was a senseless and despicable act of violence which resulted in a much-loved father losing his life.

"It paints the very stark reality of the immeasurable pain and suffering caused by knives and weapons."

Two other men, aged 48 and 43 from Basingstoke, were arrested on suspicion of murder but were released and will face no further action.