A BELFAST man who murdered his friend after being bested in a play fight must serve a minimum of 10 years in prison.
Kenneth Cowan, 30, from east Belfast had pled guilty in December to the murder of Brian Burke, 29, who was stabbed in the chest.
Cowan was handed a life sentence however a tariff hearing today at Laganside Crown Court fixed a minimum 10-year sentence before he is eligible for parole.
'Brutal murder'
In the early hours of Sunday, April 8, 2018, Burke and a friend were at Cowan’s house on Titania Street.
They were playing computer games, watching TV and drinking beer when a play fight broke out between Cowan and Burke.
After Burke got the better of Cowan, who had been smoking cannabis, Cowan saw red and got a knife from the kitchen.
(Image: PSNI)He returned and stabbed Burke in the chest, the blade puncturing Burke’s lung and penetrating his heart.
He was rushed to hospital he died within the hour.
Speaking about the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Peter McKenna said: “This was a brutal murder and I welcome today’s sentence.”
He added: “Brian was a much-loved friend and family member who helped out in his local jujutsu club and loved music, skateboarding and martial arts.
Brian Burke's family have been left devastated by his murder (Image: PSNI)“Brian’s life was brought to a brutal end and his mum Deena and two brothers Michael and John have been left devastated by the murder.
“Kenneth has shown no remorse for his actions and whilst he is now behind bars, nothing can ever ease the pain and loss that he has caused.”
'Additional punishment'
Cowan’s defence counsel maintained he had shown ‘genuine remorse’, which was noted by the judge.
However according to BBC News NI, he added that those who ‘arm themselves with weapons… must expect to receive additional punishment’.
“The use of weapons, particularly knives, will always significantly increase the risk of serious or fatal injury,” he said.
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