Glyn Evans murder: 'He didn't deserve to die like this'

But the 56-year-old was brutally knifed to death by his alcoholic ex-partner Stella Downing on December 28 last year, before she tried to clean up his blood-soaked apartment in Walsall Street and fled.

Downing, 37, plunged the kitchen blade into Mr Evans three times, with the fatal blow to his kidney severing a renal artery. Martin Stokes, 49, a close friend of the victim, was also in the flat at the time and helped cover up the crime.

Downing, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to murder and was jailed for 13 years and four months at Wolverhampton Crown Court. Stokes, from St Giles Road, Willenhall, admitted perverting the course of justice after lying to police investigators about how long he'd been at the house at the time of the murder. He has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Mr Evans was found slumped against a chest of drawers, with a post mortem revealing that stab wounds to his stomach and back were the cause of his death. Downing and Stokes were arrested later on the night of Mr Evans' murder.

Detective Inspector Jim Munro, from West Midlands Police CID, worked closely on the case, and told how the overwhelming evidence against Downing helped the force nail her for the shocking killing.

He said: "Downing and Stokes went to the flat where her former partner Mr Evans was and an argument started which resulted in her attacking Glyn Evans and stabbing him several times, before attempting to clean the blood up then leaving.

"I cannot say what exactly happened in that flat which led to Glyn's death only that evidence suggests he was at no fault whatsoever and was unarmed when attacked by Downing with a knife.

"Downing pleaded guilty in part due to the abundance of evidence against her. Stokes lied to the police during his interviews which diverted officers from certain lines of enquiry in essence making our job more difficult."

He added: "I hope the family of Glyn can take some comfort from this and the fact that the court proceedings have now concluded.

"Glyn was well liked in the local community and I'd like to thank those local people who came forward to assist in this investigation."

In a statement released by Mr Evans' family, they said: "Glyn had four brothers and three sisters; he was a happy go lucky chap with a heart of gold. Anyone who knew him would tell you that. He died in tragic circumstances and didn't deserve to die like this. He will be sadly missed and the family are still grieving and don't think they will ever get over it. The family are glad justice has been served."