Adam Jenkins to serve two-thirds of eight-year manslaughter sentence

Adam Jenkins was said to have acted out of character, in fear for his family’s safety, when he took up to three knives from the drawer in the kitchen of his home, in Newbottle, near Houghton-le-Spring, and confronted Simon Birch outside the large detached property.

The court heard he delivered a single slash wound to Mr Birch’s neck, which, despite prompt efforts of the defendant and his partner followed by paramedics, on arrival at the house, the 39-year-old was confirmed dead at scene, in the early hours of Boxing Day, 2021.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the fatal attack came at the conclusion of a drunken family celebration at Jenkins’ home, Willow Brae, which was marred by increasingly tempestuous behaviour of Mr Birch to his partner, Emma Jenkins, the defendant’s sister.

Read more: LIVE: Adam Jenkins sentenced for Christmas Day killing

It was said to have culminated on an attack by Mr Birch on Ms Jenkins in the living room, at about 11.20pm on Christmas Day.

The defendant, who had gone to bed two hours’ earlier, was disturbed by the commotion and tried to intervene, but he, too, was assaulted by Mr Birch.

It was after he was ushered into the kitchen, and Mr Birch guided out of the front door by their respective partners that the fatal confrontation took place just outside the house.

Jenkins denied both murder and manslaughter, but at the conclusion of his trial, earlier this month, he was cleared of the murder charge and convicted of manslaughter.

Today’s (Monday July 17) sentencing hearing was read victim statements by the daughters and mother of Mr Birch.

His mother, Jennifer, accepted her son was, “a flawed individual”, but said he was a much-loved son, father, brother and uncle, with a love of motor bikes and all things mechanical, plus a passion for football, music and fast cars.

She said despite what was said about him during the trial more than 200 mourners packed the crematorium at his funeral.

Mrs Birch said he her son also attempted to “battle his demons” and always, “put others in front of himself.”

Read more: LIVE: Adam Jenkins sentenced to eight years for Simon Birch killing in Houghton-le-Spring

In delivering her sentencing speech, the trial judge Mrs Justice Alison Foster DBE, said despite his reputation as a volatile man, which was a feature of the trial, Mr Birch ’s death had, “a devastating impact” on his family.

She said he was, “a young and vigorous man”, with much of his life ahead of him.

“It’s clear he was very much loved and is dreadfully missed,” and she added: “He has not been able to answer back or explain”, the allegations of violence.

Mrs Justice Foster said she accepted Jenkins was, “a peaceable” man, who had often tried as act as a “peacemaker” during the volatile relationship of his sister, Emma.

The judge told Jenkins the fatal attack was not pre-meditated or planned and was, “in part stimulated by the aggression of Simon Birch to those you loved, in the presence of your children.”

She said she accepted he was “remorseful and horrified” at his actions and accepted there was little chance of the defendant, "a man of good reputation” re-offending.

The judge said the requirements of a life sentence or extended sentence were not satisfied given the circumstances of the case.

Asking the defendant to stand in the dock, she told him: "I determine, taking into account all the matters I have been referred to, the appropriate sentence is one eight years.”

Jenkins, 36, must serve at least two-thirds of the sentence before being eligible for release, and then serve the rest of the sentence period on licence.

But she ruled that the 568 days spent in custody by Jenkins would be deducted from the sentence.

Following the hearing, Mr Birch’s family issued a heartfelt tribute to the father-of-two.

They said: “Simon (‘Birchy’) was a loving son, brother, father, uncle and friend.

“Our Christmases will never be the same without him.

“We would not wish what we have endured for the last 19 months on any family.

“Simon had a heart of gold and a smile that would light up any room.

“The thought we will never see it again or hear his voice is truly heartbreaking.

“There is no justification for what happened to him and no length of sentence will ever bring him back to us.”

His daughters, Brogan, 19, and 14-year-old Georgie added: “We miss him every day and don’t want to believe we will never see him again.

“There were so many dreams we had for our lives ahead that have now been taken from us.

“Christmas Day is no longer a huge day of celebration. We will always remember it as the day we lost our dad.”

Detective Superintendent Jane Fairlamb, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, said she hoped it would send a powerful message across the North East and beyond.

“Sadly, this is another tragic case that highlights the very real and irreversible consequences of carrying a knife.

“For this to happen on Christmas Day is especially poignant for Simon’s family.

“What should have been a time of celebration and togetherness ended in the most devastating of outcomes.

“Our thoughts remain with them and I would like to thank them for their amazing strength and cooperation shown throughout this difficult case.

“While no outcome can remove the grief they are facing, I hope they can take some comfort knowing the person responsible for Simon’s death has been brought to justice.

“There are never any winners when it comes to knife crime and I sincerely hope this sends a strong and sobering message across the North East.

“To anybody who carries a knife or weapon, think again, you risk ruining more than one life forever.”

Read next:

Adam Jenkins guilty of Houghton-le-Spring manslaughter

Simon Birch: Adam Jenkins' murder trial continues

CCTV footage of moment killer Adam Jenkins told his victim has died

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She urged anyone with suspicions over someone carrying a knife or weapon to report it via the force’s ‘Tell Us Something’ page, on its website, or by calling 101.

But if a crime is taking place, callers should always use the 999 number.

Information can also be passed onto the Crimestoppers’ charity, anonymously, by calling (0800) 555111.