A killer who stabbed an EastEnders extra to death will serve at least 17 years in prison after he dramatically changed his plea and admitted murder at the Old Bailey.
Brian Atkinson, 25, was captured on CCTV plunging a knife into the chest of 26-year-old Kevlin Eurie in front of shocked drinkers on October 16 last at a party at the Greengate pub, Plaistow.
He claimed he acted in self-defence but later admitted to murder when enhanced CCTV footage of the incident – the dark film was made brighter – emerged.
Atkinson had been attacked by Mr Eurie and members of his girlfriend’s family for getting her pregnant, when a drunken male guest caused a disturbance by using the women’s toilets.
He vowed revenge and at the party he plunged a knife into the right side of Kevlin’s chest.
Atkinson, from Enfield, had originally denied murder. He was jailed for life.
In a statement read to the court, the victim’s mother Juliet Farrell said: “Brian Atkinson didn’t only take one life that day, he destroyed my life and the lives of his partner and son”.
The seven year-old is receiving counselling.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here