Mum’s agony as son’s killer jailed

Mar 16 2008 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

A DISTRAUGHT mum who watched as her son’s killer was jailed for life says no amount of prison time can pay for his death.

Loretta Thompson had to be taken to hospital for treatment after finding her stabbed son Paul’s body in the home they shared.

Paul, 30, of Killingworth, North Tyneside, was murdered in a frenzied knife and meat cleaver attack over a £10 drug debt owed to former friend Christopher Purvis.

Purvis was sentenced on Thursday and, speaking last night Loretta, 60, said: “I went to see Purvis sentenced but I couldn’t look at him, apart from a glance when he was brought into court, and I didn’t want to look at him. He’s an animal.

“He has ruined my life and the rest of my family’s life.

“Obviously, I’m very pleased that he has been sent down and I’ve accepted the sentence that the judge gave him.

“But what sentence is enough? No amount of time is enough. He took my son’s life and ruined everyone else’s.”

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Purvis, 24, of Wide Open, Newcastle, stabbed and slashed the defenceless machine operator as soon as he answered the door to his home last October.

Purvis, who was under the influence of drink and drugs at the time, caused massive injuries to Paul’s head, torso and chest.

They included six stab wounds to the chest, one of which penetrated his lung and severed a major artery.

He then fled the scene, dumping the weapons on the way.

Purvis had intended to claim self defence, alleging Paul had come at him with a knife, but eventually admitted murder. He was told he will serve at least 15 years before being considered for parole.

Detective chief inspector Steve Barron added: “I’m satisfied with this conviction and sentence. This assault was particularly violent and sustained.

“Paul was a much-loved son and brother and will be greatly missed by friends and family.”