Joseph Holland: Man who stabbed friend to death jailed

Joseph Holland was stabbed to death at a house in Huyton

A "cowardly monster" who stabbed his friend to death after an alcohol and drug-fuelled night out has been jailed.

James Preston, 21, murdered 25-year-old Joe Holland, from St Helens, at his home in Huyton, Merseyside, on 8 June.

His body was found by officers with a handwritten note reading: "Words can't explain the situation, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do. It was me or him."

He was jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years for murder.

Liverpool Crown Court heard Preston and Mr Holland had been on a night out with friends, organised by Sean Ruud.

During the evening, Mr Holland and Mr Ruud snorted ketamine along with Preston, the jury was told.

Just before midnight Preston invited them to his home but less than 15 minutes after arriving Mr Ruud left after a fight with Preston.

About an hour later, Preston plunged a knife into Mr Holland's chest, abdomen and head and then spent about four hours mopping up blood and "methodically" cleaning his kitchen surfaces.

After dragging the body into the bathroom, Preston caught a taxi to Lime Street station and boarded a train to London.

He then travelled to Kent but handed himself into police on 10 June.

The victim was found in the locked downstairs bathroom of Preston's family home on Huyton House Road after his friend raised the alarm on the afternoon of 8 June.

A large knife was found next to the victim's body with its blade badly bent.

James Preston handed himself into to police in Kent

Mr Holland's mother Brenda told the court: "James Preston is an evil cowardly monster. I hope he rots in hell.

"Not only has he taken Joe's life, he has taken all our lives as well."

Preston had admitted killing Mr Holland, claiming self-defence, but was unanimously convicted of murder after a trial.

Nicholas Johnson KC, defending, said the only real mitigation was his lack of previous convictions in relation to violence and the absence of significant pre-meditation.

Judge David Aubrey, KC, said, "Precisely what the catalyst was for you attacking Joseph Holland one will never know, save for you.

"But I am satisfied it was you who picked up that large knife and you plunged it into the deceased's chest and abdomen causing the fatal wounds and swift death.

"You attacked him for no apparent reason, although there must have been some catalyst, but you were fuelled by alcohol and ketamine and you murdered him."