Alder Willis sentenced to life in prison for the murder of North Tyneside man Andrew Darn

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A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of North Tyneside man Andrew Darn.

Just after 9am on March 27, emergency services attended the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate where they found a man with a single stab wound to his chest.

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The man, later identified as 35-year-old Andrew Darn, was assisted at the scene by members of the public who performed CPR until emergency services were able to attend.

Unfortunately, despite the efforts of medical staff, Andrew died at the scene.

Alder Willis. Picture: Northumbria PoliceAlder Willis. Picture: Northumbria Police
Alder Willis. Picture: Northumbria Police

Just an hour later, having fled the scene, 68-year-old Alder Willis attended Middle Engine Lane police station where he handed himself in – in possession of a kitchen knife used during the attack.

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An investigation launched by Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) revealed the assault came as a culmination of a long-standing dispute originally over parking amongst the two neighbouring premises – of which Willis was an owner and Andrew, an employee.

An altercation the afternoon of the previous day led to Willis threatening Andrew, saying ‘I’m going to kill you’. Willis then returned to work the next day armed with a knife in his pocket, and, following a short altercation, Willis stabbed him.

Just after the assault, Willis, having fled to his home address, told his wife ‘I’ll see you in 15 years’ – before handing himself in.

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Andrew Darn.Andrew Darn.
Andrew Darn.

A day later, Willis, of Allanville, Camperdown, North Tyneside, was charged with murder and possession of a bladed article.

On August 29, following an almost two-week trial at Newcastle Crown Court, a jury found Willis guilty of murder and possession of a bladed article.

And on Monday, he attended the same court where he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 18 years.

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Following Willis’ sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer in the case Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts firmly remain with Andrew’s loved ones as they continue to process their loss.

“In this case, a trivial dispute had fatal consequences – something which should never have happened.

“There is no excuse for carrying a weapon. As demonstrated here, it can have catastrophic consequences that shatter whole families.”

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In statements read to the court, Andrew’s family have shared the following tributes to him.

Andrew’s fiancé, Stephanie, said: “As a person, Andrew loved nothing more than to make people laugh. He was a sociable man who found it easy to talk to people.

“Above all, he was a very loving person who put his family first and who would do anything to help his friends. I miss everything about him.”

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She added: “My life and that of our three children will never be the same. We are missing a huge piece of our puzzle. I'm crushed that I am the one left to enjoy all the milestones and special occasions, without the person who made me happy.”

Andrew’s mum, Deborah, added: “The joy I once felt has been taken from this world - and I don’t ever see it coming back.”