Man sentenced to prison for stabbing his ‘beloved’ father

A man who had to be verbally abused by police after stabbing another man has been jailed for life.

Gary Hindle – who was described by his family as a “very loved” father – died at the scene of the accident in Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex on July 18.

Barry Mooney admitted murder and grievous bodily harm at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday.

The defendant, 55, of Crowstone Road, Westcliff, must serve a minimum sentence of 26 years.

Essex Police said CCTV appeared to show the pair having a brief conversation, “possibly an argument”, on a bench in Hamlet Court Road at around 6pm BST.

Mooney went to a nearby tree and “produced a large knife” before attacking 53-year-old Mr Hindle, police said.

Shortly afterwards, Mooney attacked another man who happened to be walking on the street, and he was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries to his face.

Investigators said Mooney remained seated at the scene and had to be tasered by police after he refused to drop the knife.

While in custody, he threatened officers and admitted carrying out the attack, police said.

In a joint statement, Mr Hindle’s family said: “We are all shocked and devastated by the loss of our beloved son, father, brother and partner.”

“Gary was one of a kind and had a heart of gold.

“He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by the many people who loved him deeply.”

Det Insp Lisa Hurrell, who led the investigation, said: “This was a horrific, unprovoked attack which had the most tragic consequences.”

Prosecutors did not pursue charges of attempted murder – related to the second victim – and possession of an object with a blade or point.

Instead, these crimes are recorded.