A woman has been jailed for life after plunging a knife into the heart of a man that she barely knew.
Killer Emma Berry, 46, will serve a minimum of 16-years behind bars after she confessed to murdering Dean Michael Bennett, 31, reports North Wales Live.
She had previously pleaded not guilty to stabbing him in a fatal attack at the Old Quay House on May 22 this year, but dramatically changed her plea just before a trial was due to begin.
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Berry, of Old Quay House in Flintshire, was "frequently drunk" and was described in court at her sentencing hearing as a "chronic alcoholic".
Both her and Mr Bennett lived in a house of multiple occupancy in Connah's Quay - but had no prior issues until the fatal stabbing in May this year.
On the night of the murder, Mr Bennett was at pub the Hare & Hound, asking people to "put him up" for the night, prosecutor, Benjamin Douglas-Jones, told the court.
He was telling people he "could not go back there" referring to the Old Quay House and the "idiots" who lived there.
With no success, he left the pub and returned to the home, the prosecutor said.
When returning to his room, accompanied by his girlfriend who cannot be named for legal reasons, the pair began to argue.
Three others were nearby - including Berry and one saw her "put her hands on her head" and heard her say she was "going to stab him" whilst looking at Mr Bennett, the court heard.
Berry then went and collected a knife from the sink of the shared kitchen area in the property and Mr Bennett went into his room alone.
Moments later, Berry returned to find Mr Bennett facing away from her.
The court heard that she got on top of him before stabbing him through the chest, piercing his heart, Mr Douglas-Jones said.
Berry was pulled away and the knife taken from her.
Emergency services were called but tragically Mr Bennett could not be saved. He was airlifted to hospital in Liverpool but was pronounced dead.
Berry was later found in her own room by police "rocking back and forth" and "making funny noises".
Paul Lewis, defending Berry, said the mum-of-three was a "chronic alcoholic" - so much so that she lost access to her now adult children.
She was "no different" on the day of the murder and it was "plain to see" she was drunk that night, Mr Lewis said.
Berry said the argument which broke out between Mr Bennett and his girlfriend was "too much to handle" in her drunken state, the court heard.
Berry feared for his young partner that he would get abusive and wanted to prevent her from getting hurt, Mr Lewis said, adding he in no way wished to imply that Mr Bennett was intending to act violently that night.
Judge Rhys Rowlands labelled Berry a "dangerous woman" when passing the sentence for the “catastrophic” killing that left an entire family “devastated”.
He said: “Dean Bennett was attacked in his own home – a place he ought to be safe.
"Your behaviour is far from out of character as you have previous convictions for serious violence.”
Berry will serve 16 years behind bars - meaning she will be 63 years old before a parole board can decide what to do with her.
Speaking after the sentencing, Dean’s family issued a statement via North Wales Police.
It said: “As a family we wish to the thank the police and all those involved for all their hard work, and the speed at which the investigation has been dealt with.
"The support we have received from our family, friends and the wider community has been overwhelming.”
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Bell, from the major incident team at North Wales Police, added: “This is an incredibly tragic case which saw a young man lose his life as a result of a single stab wound.
“Dean’s family have understandably been left devastated by his death and the thoughts of the entire investigation team remain with them at this difficult time."
"Our deepest sympathies go out to Dean’s family and friends for their loss. This tragic case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of knife crime."
“The use of a bladed weapon often has catastrophic consequences for the victim, their family and the perpetrator. I urge you to think twice about using such a weapon.
"As this case demonstrates, the senseless use of a knife has resulted in the tragic death of a much-loved father, son, brother and friend to many.
"I acknowledge the sentence imposed today and I hope it will provide some degree of closure to Dean’s family.
"I hope it will bring them, and the community, a small degree of justice.”
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