30 years' jail for double-murder businessman

A businessman who murdered his ex-girlfriend and her new partner in a "frenzied and violent attack" was jailed for a minimum of 30 years today.

John Moody, 45, stabbed Karen Brown and Kenneth Snell to death last Halloween as they made desperate 999 calls.

A jury took just over two hours to find the keen golfer guilty of the double murder at Norwich Crown Court.

The killer will not be considered for parole for at least three decades, by which time he will be in his mid seventies, Norfolk Police said.

As he stabbed his 39-year-old ex-girlfriend, he shouted "Why did you lie?" and "Tell me why you lied?" more than 50 times, the court heard.

Moody drove to Mr Snell's house in Cringleford, near Norwich, after a friend told him of the relationship while they were at a beer festival.

A post-mortem examination showed Ms Brown, who sustained 13 stab wounds and 31 other injuries, died from multiple stab wounds.

Mr Snell, who sustained seven stab wounds and 38 other injuries, died from being stabbed in the heart.

DCI Andy Guy, who led the investigation, said: "I am relieved that John Moody has been found guilty of a frenzied and violent attack that cost the lives of two totally decent and innocent people.

"Mr Snell and Miss Brown had embarked on a new relationship that they kept secret because of Moody's jealous and violent nature. Their murders were truly shocking.

"I would like it noted that the families of Ken and Karen have conducted themselves with incredible dignity over the last 10 months."

A statement from the family of Karen Brown said: "Karen was a wonderful, caring and loving daughter, sister and auntie, who was prematurely taken from us by a cold hearted killer.

"Two lives were brutally taken that night and our thoughts go to the Snell family on their loss.

"Karen was an angel, a light in everyone's life, who could never do enough for her family and friends. We all spent many precious times with her in the last 14 months, much laughter and tears shared and a special bond and memories built that can never be forgotten.

"She had at last found happiness with Ken after years of torment and was rebuilding her life. We hope that no other families should ever suffer such a loss as we all have. A loss that will never diminish.

"We know that justice has been served, but to us all, nothing will bring back our ray of sunshine, our beautiful Karen."

A tribute from the family of Kenneth Snell said: "We are devastated by the loss of Ken. He has been taken from us by a man committing the most heinous crime imaginable. A crime of which a nightmare could not exceed.

"Our deep sympathies are with Karen's family for their loss and also to Mr Moody's children and family who are very much victims in this atrocity.

"We will now try to move our lives forward and say our final farewells to a brother, father, grandfather and friend who was the most gentle, loving and adored person.

"Our thanks also go to the police and especially the family liaison officers who have helped us through the dark days."