A MAN who murdered his friend and seriously injured the man’s brother has been told he will not be eligible for parole for 18 years.

John Donnison, 23, was sentenced to life in prison yesterday at Newcastle Crown Court and was told he will not be released until he is at least 41.

He had previously admitted the murder of 31-year-old Daniel Laidlaw and wounding Chris Laidlaw, 28, with intent.

The three men lived in Edward Terrace, New Kyo, Stanley, County Durham, with Donnison’s sister Rachel, Chris Laidlaw’s partner.

The court heard how Donnison stabbed one man with a carving knife and the other with a bread knife after a drinking session on the afternoon of Saturday, July 17, turned ugly because of an argument over Donnison’s drunken behaviour and his teasing of a friend’s dog.

Mark Giuliani, prosecuting, said Donnison attacked the brothers after arming himself with the knives while in the kitchen of their home.

Mr Giuliani said: “He lunged at Daniel Laidlaw and the knife pierced straight through his chest and into his heart.

“Almost simultaneously he lunged at Chris Laidlaw, stabbing him in the chest.

“Daniel Laidlaw fell to his knees and then the floor with blood pouring from the wound in his chest. Chris Laidlaw watched the life drain out of his brother’s face.”

An ambulance was called, but Daniel was dead by the time paramedics arrived.

Chris Laidlaw spent six days in hospital and has made a full recovery.

Mitigating, Toby Hedworth, said his client was bewildered and devastated by his actions which had caused the death of his friend.

Mr Hedworth said: “One of the starkest and saddest aspects of this case is how friendly those who were involved in the troubles that afternoon were.

“The defendant got on well with both his victims. He has flipped when his sister’s partner said ‘Keep going I will bat you one’.

“He realises that, for reasons he cannot explain, he has taken the life of a friend and almost taken the life of his sister’s partner.”

Judge David Hodson, the Recorder of Newcastle, said he accepted that Donnison was remorseful for what he had done.

He said: “The circumstances are tragic and without the toxic effects of excess alcohol would be incomprehensible.”