The sufferer was described as a ‘loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle’ who would ‘assist anybody who wanted it’.
The assassin was jailed for 23 years on February 24 (Picture: Gwent Police)
A person has been jailed for 23 years after murdering a 47-year-old in a match of “sexual jealousy”. Kai Pennell, 35, pled responsible to killing Duane Eager on October 17, when he ambushed his ex’s home and stabbed Mr Eager a number of instances.
The court docket heard that Mr Eager, who would “assist anybody who wanted it”, had come over to Rebecca Phillips’ dwelling in Blaenavon, Wales, as a result of she felt scared after receiving more and more alarming and disturbing messages from Pennell. Cardiff Crown Court docket heard that Pennell had been in a sexual relationship with Ms Phillips for a brief interval till September 2025, and he had turn into “obsessed” together with her after it ended. He grew more and more jealous of Mr Eager, who had been in a relationship with Ms Phillips till Might 2025, the court docket heard.
Within the days earlier than the homicide, prosecutor Christopher Rees KC stated his messages and calls grew to become “demanding and controlling”. He stated they confirmed Pennell was “obsessive about [Phillips] and burning with jealousy,” reviews Wales On-line.
“You make my coronary heart soften and my blood boil on the similar time,” Pennell wrote in a single message. The court docket heard the killer had repeatedly approached Ms Phillips, continued to contact her when she had requested him to cease, and accused her of dishonest.
Then on October 17, Pennell had bombarded Ms Phillips with “disturbing” calls and textual content messages. Feeling unsafe, she requested Mr Eager to return to her dwelling at Riverside Drive, Blaenavon.
The prosecutors stated that Ms Phillips and Mr Eager heard the sound of the door unlocking at her flat after they’d intercourse, adopted by the sound of somebody “booting the chain off”.
She stated Pennell “pounced” on the 47-year-old as soon as contained in the property, and each males started “grappling”. She stated she ran to get a neighbour for assist, however when she returned, there was “blood everywhere in the partitions”.
“Kai was like a demon had taken over his physique,” she stated. “His face was petrifying.”
Inner CCTV footage from Pennell’s flat confirmed him choosing a kitchen knife and placing it in his pocket on the day of the assault.
Eager had gone over to Ms Phillips’ flat as a result of she felt unsafe (Picture: Gwent Police)
Pennell fled the scene earlier than being discovered by police helicopters in a wooded space near the flats just a few hours later. A autopsy examination recorded 5 stab wounds to Mr Eager’s physique, and three slash wounds the place he had tried to guard himself.
Within the sentencing remarks, Justice Stacey famous how the killer had tried to move the blame onto Rebecca Phillips.
Justice Stacey stated: “In your twisted and self-piteous logic, you informed her that your homicide of Duane was someway her fault. The one individual guilty for Duane’s homicide is you.
“You had been motivated by sexual jealousy and anger if you killed Duane, and as a technique to attempt to management and punish Rebecca for breaking apart with you and remaining pals with Duane.”
The household shared a tribute to Mr Eager, who they described as a “loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle” who was a “nice boxer and MMA all-rounder”.
“He would assist anybody who wanted it and was at all times on the finish of a telephone,” they stated in a tribute. “There aren’t any phrases to precise what we as a household are going by means of. Duane, you had been a champ within the ring, however you had been the largest champ to us.”
After sentencing, the household added: “Though justice has been given, the life sentence won’t ever be actually sufficient, as we the household have misplaced our cherished one who won’t ever have his life to stay and we now must stay the remainder of our lives with out him.”
The 35-year-old was sentenced to life in jail with a minimal of 23 years at Cardiff Crown Court docket on Tuesday, 24 February.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths stated: “Kai Pennell killed Duane Eager in a jealousy-fuelled and violent assault.
“Taking a knife from his personal property implied that he meant to trigger severe hurt when confronting Duane within the early hours of that morning.
“His actions had devastating penalties and Duane’s dying has impacted the lives of his household, family members, pals and neighborhood.
The day’s greatest headlines in UK and World information Subscribe Invalid e-mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embody adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You possibly can unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
“I’d prefer to pay tribute to the family and friends who’ve needed to come to phrases with Duane’s dying and proven nice power all through this tough course of.
“I do know right this moment’s sentencing won’t ever convey him again; nonetheless I hope this final result brings some comfort and closure for them.”
Leave a Reply