Life sentence for Lincolnshire knife attacks

A violent drug user from Spalding in Lincolnshire has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder and attempted murder of two acquaintances in December 2021.

Wayne Rule (47) burst into the flat of the first victim, Mark Stone, in the middle of the night and launched into a frenzied knife attack. He took Mr Stone completely by surprise and 12 or more significant stab wounds. During the attack, Rule said that he intended to kill him. Others in the building heard what was going on and were able to alert the emergency services in time for the victim to have life-saving surgery. Rule made his escape from the flat and went to the flat belonging to one of his neighbours, Darren Kirk. In a similar manner to the first attack, he burst into the property and went straight for Mr Kirk with a knife, stabbing him repeatedly I front of his partner, who was in the house at the time. Tragically, Mr Kirk died at the scene.

Wayne Rule then shut himself in his own flat in the same building, making threats to anyone who tried to get to him, before he eventually surrendered to the police.

He was charged with murder and attempted murder and, in the face of overwhelming evidence, pleaded guilty at Lincoln Crown Court on 4 January. He was today (Friday 17 March) sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 35 years.

Sally-Ann Flemmings-Danquah from the CPS said: “Wayne Rule has shown himself to be a violent and dangerous man. He has a long-standing criminal past and decided to commit these senseless attacks with no provocation whatsoever. Today’s sentence reflects the appalling nature of these attacks and the danger he presents to society. 

“Our thoughts are with Darren Kirk’s loved ones. I would like to offer them my sincere sympathies. I would also like to thank the people who raise the alarm and gave evidence about the first attack and wish Mr Stone a speedy recovery from both the physical and emotional impact of this attack.”

Building the case

To prove an allegation of murder, the prosecution must demonstrate that the perpetrator intended to kill or cause serious harm, whereas to prosecute for attempted murder, there must be sufficient evidence that the intent was only to kill.

In this case, the evidence was overwhelming. Wayne Rule told the first victim he was trying to kill him during the attack, and his attack on Darren Kirk took place in front of an eyewitness. The CPS acted swiftly in conjunction with the police to put a compelling case together to ensure the defendant pleaded guilty.

At the sentencing hearing, the CPS reminded the court of the significant danger posed by Wayne Rule. The CPS presented evidence of the violent nature of Rule’s attack and that he had taken knives to the scene. The CPS also reminded the court of his criminal past, including convictions for drugs offences, theft, violence and manslaughter.