Basingstoke man who stabbed brothers imprisoned

A man from Basingstoke who stabbed two brothers, one of whom fatally, has been jailed for life.

Kenneth Walker, 56, stabbed Craig Laurie and Scott Laurie in the evening of 12 May 2024 on his front doorstep at Tasmania Close, Popley.

His girlfriend, Jane Byrne, 52, mopped the blood left on the doorstep before the two escaped from the scene.

Whilst Scott Laurie survived his injuries, Craig Laurie was fatally wounded, and died despite efforts from paramedics.

Walker denied the offences of murder and attempted murder, insisting that he was acting in self-defence and claimed that the brothers were armed and attacked him.

However, the jury rejected that defence and found him guilty of murder and attempted murder. He was sentenced on 3 December 2024 to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 33 years.

Byrne was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender, for her role in concealing Walker before he was arrested.

She was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment.

Saira Nisar, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said, “This was a vicious, unprovoked attack by a dangerous individual.

“To be met with such hostility and violence meant that the brothers never stood a chance against Walker, which he used to his advantage.

“Working closely with Hampshire Constabulary, the CPS set out to prove that this was not self-defence or manslaughter – Walker intended to cause the most harm that he could – and succeeded.

“I would like to commend the family and friends of Craig for their courage throughout this case. Although nothing can bring him back, I hope these sentences can provide some sense of comfort to them. Our thoughts remain with them at this time.

“The CPS is absolutely committed ensuring violent offenders are brought before the courts to face justice.”