A killer was jailed for life after stabbing his friend 10 times in a vodka-fuelled frenzy at their home.
Arkadiusz Kaczmarek denied murdering 47-year-old Slawomir Kulesza in the home they shared on Blakemere Court, Ellesmere Port.
Kaczmarek claimed that he was so drunk on the night that dad-of-two Slawomir was killed that he has no memory of what took place.
However, a jury found Kaczmarek guilty of murder on Thursday 29 October following a nine-day trial at Chester Crown Court.
Also convicted of possession of a knife in a public place, Kaczmarek returned to court on Friday to be sentenced.
He was jailed for life and has to serve a minimum of 19 years in prison.
“We may never know why you did what you did"
When sentencing Kaczmarek, His Honour Judge Steven Everett said: “This was a drink fuelled frenzied attack and a truly heinous offence.
“He (Slawomir) tried desperately to get away from you, putting his hands up. It must have been a terrible thing for him, with the many blows you inflicted on him – 10 stab wounds and a slash wound.
“We may never know why you did what you did, but nothing could justify any sort of attack, let alone this murderous attack.
“I’m quite sure you remember what you did and knew what you were doing at the time, which was aggravated by drink.”
Hours leading up to the murder
Both of Polish descent, Kaczmarek and Slawomir first met in February when the former moved into the two-storey mid terrace house in Blakemere Court.
On the night of the killing, Friday 1 May, they had gone to a convenience store together and bought a bottle of vodka.
A neighbour was woken up by loud noises at their address at about 1am.
At around 1.05am a CCTV camera captured Kaczmarek walking along Westminster Road carrying the kitchen knife.
Getting rid of the knife and falling asleep in a stranger's garden
After disposing of it at the bottom of a metal fence he climbed over, he went to sleep in the front garden of a house in Worcester Walk.
A passer-by saw him and informed the homeowner.
The pair confronted Kaczmarek, who fled the area on foot before being stopped by the two officers in the police car at around 3am.
They tried to question Kaczmarek about blood on his clothing but discovered that he spoke very little English.
Subsequently communicating with him via an online translation service, the officers established where he lived and took him home.
When they arrived Kaczmarek told them that he lived there with a friend who was asleep in the house.
The officers went inside to check that Kaczmarek and his friend were safe.
They also wanted to see Kaczmarek’s ID.
Finding the victim in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds
After searching the house and finding Slawomir lying on his back in a pool of blood, they started giving him CPR and called for an ambulance.
Paramedics later took over the CPR but, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, Slawomir was sadly pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 3.30am.
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Kaczmarek was arrested at the house and a homicide investigation was launched.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Slawomir died of his stab wounds.
The knife used to inflict the injuries was found by a member of the public on Sunday 3 May.
Aware of a police presence in the area, she directed an officer to the knife.
Kaczmarek refused to answer any questions in custody.
Officers praised for "calmness and respect"
HHJ Everett singled out PCs Rogers and PC Linforth for praise after body-worn camera footage of their police work on the night that Slawomir was murdered was shown at court.
He said: “Arkadiusz Kaczmarek did his best to persuade them not to look for him (Slawomir), but fortunately the officers did so and found the terrible scene.
“Their behaviour was magnificent – their patience, respect and caring approach.
“The footage shows PC Linforth faced with a man lying fatally injured, doing his best to effect CPR.
“PC Rogers showed professionalism and calmness, looking out for his colleague and the defendant.
“There was no hint of panic or distress, and both officers should be commended for that.”
David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, added: “I would like to praise the two PCs and everyone involved in the subsequent investigation for their outstanding police work that has led to this murder conviction.
“As this case shows, the consequences of getting heavily drunk and using a knife as a weapon can be devastating for everyone involved.
“This horrendous crime was committed by a previously law abiding citizen.
“My condolences go to the victim’s family. I hope that this conviction, and the fact that his killer is now facing the consequences of his appalling actions, provides them with some comfort.”
