WINCHESTER MAN SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL DOUBLE MURDER IN VIKING-STYLE RITUAL
A man identified as James Conan has been sentenced for the brutal murders of his partner Kirsty O'Connell, aged 21, and their four-year-old son Patrick.Conan strangled Kirsty and stabbed her twenty times.
Subsequently, he played with the young boy before smothering him.
Their bodies were discovered at a flat in Woolford Close, Winchester, in August 2007.
Conan was reported to have pleaded guilty to the murder of Kirsty and manslaughter of Patrick due to diminished responsibility.
The court was told he must serve a minimum of 16 years in prison.
Conan had changed his surname, which held significance in Nordic legend, and the court described his actions as 'terrible offences.' Prosecutor Stewart Jones QC highlighted the ritualistic aspect of laying out Patrick's body, which included placing items around him such as a toy dagger, guns, and a torch in his hand.
Conan had a history of controlling behavior, was a widower, and was previously living with a mentally ill wife who has since passed away.
The tragedy was prompted by a dispute after Kirsty found out about Conan's affair with another woman, leading to a violent attack.
Conan's actions were considered to have involved a temporary abnormality of mind, and he was given a life sentence with a minimum of 16 years before eligibility for parole.
