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Life for killer who stabbed man who was protecting girlfriend and her baby

[gallery] A killer was today starting a life sentence for the murder of a Wednesbury warehouse worker who died trying to protect his girlfriend and her baby.

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Father-of-one Matthew Dunn, aged 23, was stabbed 29 times by James Burton, who will serve a minimum term of 30 years in prison.

Burton, 32, was found guilty of murdering Mr Dunn, who worked at Wednesbury distribution firm Amari Plastics, after an eight-day trial at Leicester Crown Court.

The jury heard that Mr Dunn's partner, who was Burton's former girlfriend, and her 14-month old son were threatened but escaped through a first-floor window.

The court heard how police were called to the property in Factory Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire on January 24 this year.

Burton had entered the property through the back door. Drawing a knife he then assaulted Mr Dunn, stabbing him multiple times.

Mr Dunn's girlfriend, who was in the property at the time, ran to the upstairs of the house with her 14-month-old son.

Having been threatened by Burton, still holding her son, she jumped from the first floor of the property. She had three fractures to her back.

The baby suffered very minor injuries. A post mortem examination revealed Matthew had received 29 stab wounds to his chest and neck, injuries which caused his death.

Detective Inspector Tim Lindley, who led the investigation, said: "Throughout the investigation and subsequent trial Burton has shown little remorse for his actions that day.

"He has maintained throughout that he was not responsible for his actions, and he did what he did as he was being prevented from seeing his child as often as he would have liked."

In statement released by police, Mr Dunn's devastated family said: "No sentence that could be given can ever be sufficient to replace the life of Matthew. He has left a huge void in the life of all that knew and loved him."

Following his death, Mr Dunn was described by colleagues as a much-loved and well-respected member of the team.

Following the case, police released a video from the body camera of an officer who attended the scene following the attack.

It shows Burton stepping outside an upstairs window and attempting to hang himself with a rope tied around his neck. Police are seen breaking in the front door while Burton stands on the outside window frame. He jumped from the ledge and officers then manage to arrest him.

Detective Inspector Tim Lindley, who led the investigation, said: "When Burton entered the house on January 24 he was determined that someone was going to die.

"It was only through the bravery of Matthew in protecting his partner and her child, and her subsequent decision to jump out of an upstairs window with her child in her arms, that prevented further deaths.

"The consequences have left two young children without fathers – Matthew's son will grow up not knowing his natural father, while Burton will remain behind bars for some considerable time."

DI Lindley added: "This crime has left lasting effects on Matthew's family and his partner, who several months later are still trying to come to terms with what has happened. They have shown great dignity throughout the investigation and court proceedings at what has been a difficult and emotional time for them.

"I would like to thank the members of the public who came forward as witnesses to the incident, some of them whom gave evidence in court which has helped enable us to bring Burton to justice."

A statement released by Mr Dunn's family said: "Matthew was always happy and very thoughtful. He looked out for his younger brothers and sisters, he was everyone's rock. He was a hard worker who loved fishing and music. He loved life. Matthew loved his beautiful boy and was a great dad and uncle.

"We are all proud to have had Matthew as part of our family. He didn't deserve to have his life taken from him, from us so tragically at only 23 years old.

"Matthew was, and always will be, everyone's hero. We will make sure Matthews life wasn't taken in vain. The saddest thing is that Matthew's son will grow up without a father in his life, the only comfort is that we will always have a part of Matthew in him.

"We would like to thank the barristers for their help in prosecuting this investigation, and extend our thanks to Leicestershire Police for all their hard work, especially the officers who tried to save Matthew, those involved in the investigation and the family liaison officers who have provided support throughout the investigation and subsequent court proceedings."

Burton, of Parry Close, Earl Shilton, who was sentenced to life in prison for the murder conviction, was found not guilty of a charge of threats to kill. He admitted a count of grievous bodily harm and a separate count of threats to kill just prior to the start of the trial.

Burton was sentenced to life for the murder and ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years before he is eligible for parole. He was sentenced to four years each for the counts of grievous bodily harm and threats to kill to run concurrently.

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