Drugs row led to fatal stabbing

KILLER: Needham

A FORMER Oldham man who murdered a fellow drug user after a row over £10 worth of heroin has been jailed for life.

John Needham (37) stabbed Darren Hilton in the back with a kitchen knife. The knife penetrated his victim’s heart.

Mr Hilton (33) had gone to Needham’s home in Bedford Road, Blackpool, in September following the argument outside the property. Hilton managed to stagger to a nearby shop where he collapsed. He begged onlookers: “Please don’t let me die.”

Needham, who moved from Oldham to Blackpool in 2003, admitted murder. The judge set a minimum term of 15 years.

A close friend described Mr Hilton as “a nice lad, harmless and without a bad bone in his body.”

Gordon Cole QC, prosecuting at Preston Crown Court, told the hearing the men had fallen out over £10 worth of heroin. Needham has numerous previous convictions. In October, 2008, he was given a 27-month term for supplying heroin.

David Fish QC, defending, explained Needham became a drug user in his mid-teens, and committed crimes to fund his habit.

Judge, Mr Justice Clarke, told Needham: “The sentence for murder is fixed by law, it is one of life imprisonment. This was mindless violence with a weapon.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Esseen said: “I am pleased Needham pleaded guilty. It has saved Darren’s family from having to go through a trial. This was a tragic waste of life. Our thoughts today are with Darren’s friends and family. This case illustrates the dangers and consequences of carrying knives.

“I just hope that this sentence will offer some closure for Darren’s family.”