A man has been found guilty of manslaughter after he slashed his sister’s partner across the throat with a knife following drunken row on Christmas Day.

Adam Jenkins emerged from the kitchen of his home in Newbottle, near Houghton-le-Spring, carrying up to three knives, one of which he used to slash Simon Birch in the neck in a brief confrontation.

CCTV from the defendant’s own home captured the horrific moment that he killed the 39-year-old at about 11.20pm, on December 25, 2021.

The Northern Echo: Simon BirchSimon Birch

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Jurors had heard how despite prompt first-aid attention given after the arrival of paramedics at the scene, Mr Birch died from the stab wound shortly after midnight.

Giving evidence at the start of the defence case, 36-year-old Jenkins said he was aware of Mr Birch’s reputation as “a violent man” and that there had been concerns over domestic violence with his sister, Emma, earlier in 2021, two years into their relationship.

The Northern Echo: Adam JenkinsAdam Jenkins (Image: Northumbria Police)

Jenkins said he has been having flashbacks to the evening during the time he has spent on remand and is now to able piece together most of the events of the incident, which took place just before midnight on December 25.

He said he had fallen asleep after drinking all day but was awoken being told Emma and Mr Birch were fighting on the landing.

The jury has already been told Mr Birch had a history of domestic abuse towards Emma and was known to have hit her on several occasions.

Judge Mrs Justice Alison Foster DBE adjourned the case until Monday, July 17 for sentence.

Jenkins was cleared of murder yesterday but there was a reporting restriction imposed until the verdict on the second charge was reached.

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Speaking after the verdict, Detective Superintendent Jane Fairlamb, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “This is another tragic case that highlights the real and irreversible consequences of carrying a knife.

“For this to happen on Christmas Day is especially poignant for Simon’s family – what should have been a time of celebration and togetherness ended in the most devastating of outcomes.

The Northern Echo: The fatal incident was caught on CCTV at the home of Adam JenkinsThe fatal incident was caught on CCTV at the home of Adam Jenkins (Image: Crown Prosecution Service North East)

“Our thoughts remain with them as they attempt to come to terms with the events of the last 18 months, and while no outcome can remove the grief they are facing, I hope they can take some comfort knowing the person responsible for Simon’s death has been brought to justice.

“There are never any winners when it comes to knife crime and I sincerely hope this sends a strong and sobering message across the North East.

“To anybody who carries a knife or weapon, please think again - you risk ruining more than one life forever.”