by Keith Hunt

A man has been jailed for life for murdering a 64-year-old man he blamed for the break up of his relationship.

David Alberto will serve a minimum of 20 years before he is considered for parole.

A judge told the 32-year-old, of Albert Street, Ramsgate, he had been found guilty of murder on "clear and compelling evidence".

Maidstone Crown Court heard Alberto went to the home of 64-year-old John Joyce in Conyngham Close, Ramsgate, at night on July 7 last year and inflicted 11 major wounds which penetrated his heart, a lung and his liver.

Alberto had been in a relationship with Joanne Kurn, who was pregnant with his child at the time Mr Joyce was killed.

Christopher May, prosecuting, said Alberto blamed Mr Joyce for the break-up, although he was never more than a good friend to Miss Kurn.

The jury of six men and six women returned a unanimous guilty verdict.

Eight months spent in custody will count towards Alberto's sentence.

In a statement, Mr Joyce's family said: "This has been a long and terrible journey for our family and John’s friends to deal with. There are no words to describe the pain and heartache we feel because of his death.

"John was a kind and caring man and was killed by this evil, vindictive person. The guilty verdict does not take our heartache and pain away, but justice has been served."

After sentencing, Det Insp Lee Whitehead from Kent Police's major crime investigation team said: "There is no evidence to suggest Alberto forced his way into Mr Joyce's home, so the grandfather unknowingly let in his killer.

"The level of violence demonstrated by Alberto was shocking.

"We are satisfied with the jury's verdict and would like to extend our thanks to Mr Joyce’s family and friends who assisted us at what was a very difficult time to help ensure this outcome at court."