MAN IS JAILED FOR MURDER OF AUTISTIC NEIGHBOUR
A man who attacked his autistic neighbor by stabbing him 24 times after a dispute has been sentenced to life imprisonment.John Lesbirel, aged 42, retrieved a kitchen knife and carried out a violent, frenzied assault on Kevin Fielding.
Following the attack, he rummaged through cupboards and drawers, stealing several items that he later disposed of in Whitehead Park in Bury.
DNA evidence linking Lesbirel to the crime scene was discovered in blood traces around Mr.
Fielding’s residence on Cameron Street, Bury.
Initially, Lesbirel denied knowing Mr.
Fielding when questioned by authorities but admitted involvement and pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court on the day his murder trial was scheduled to begin.
Sentenced to life with a minimum term of 20 years by Mr.
Justice Ernest Ryder, he acknowledged that Mr.
Fielding, who had Asperger’s syndrome, epilepsy, and learning difficulties, was unable to escape the attack in time.
The judge emphasized that Mr.
Fielding was a person who deserved support rather than scorn or mistreatment.
Court reports indicated that Lesbirel, a resident of a nearby block of flats, would often shout insults at Mr.
Fielding when they crossed paths on the street.
Between November 26 and 30 of the previous year, Lesbirel confronted Mr.
Fielding at his flat after the latter had complained about noise caused by a neighbor’s DIY activities.
During this confrontation, Lesbirel lost control, stabbing Mr.
Fielding 24 times, then washing the knife and leaving it in the kitchen, as the court was told.
Mr.
Fielding, aged 41, was discovered at 10 a.m.
on November 30 by a support worker from Bury Council who had an appointment with him.
Defending attorney Richard Pratt QC stated that Lesbirel was suffering from a mental disorder and that his outburst on the day of the attack was driven by losing his temper.
Following the sentencing, Pat Jones-Greenhalgh, the council’s director for adult care services, expressed their shock over Kevin’s death, recounting his life in the community since 1995, his independence, and his active social life.
A family statement expressed their grief over Kevin’s loss and hope to find strength as they cope with the tragedy, emphasizing the unity of their support during this difficult time.
