Alder Willis murdered Andrew Darn at Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate

Andrew Darn died from a single stab wound on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate in North Tyneside just before 9am on March 27 this year.

The 35-year-old worked at a premises on the industrial estate in a unit neighbouring business ‘The Deli’, owned by 68-year-old Alder Willis.

Andrew Darn died after being stabbed once in the chest by Alder Willis. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

The pair had an argument the previous afternoon where Willis threatened Darn, saying “I’m going to kill you”.

He returned the next morning armed with a kitchen knife which he plunged into Darn’s chest. Members of the public attempted CPR but Darn died at the scene.

The knife used by Alder Willis to kill Andrew Darn. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

After stabbing dad-of-three Darn, Willis fled home to tell his wife, “I’ll see you in 15 years”, before handing himself in to police and admitting the assault.

Andrew Darn was an employee at Easy Access Garage Doors. (Image: North News)

CSI officers at Alder Willis' sandwich shop. (Image: North News)

He was later charged with murder of the keen carp fisherman and possession of a bladed article.

A jury at Newcastle Crown Court found Willis, of Allanville, Camperdown, guilty of both charges and he faces jail when he is sentenced in the coming weeks.

Alder Willis faces jail when he is sentenced in the coming weeks. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

Andrew Darn’s devastated family previously paid tribute to him after their devastating loss.

Stephanie, who has been Andrew’s partner since he was 17 years old, said: “He’s my best friend. I’ve lost my best friend, my other half.

“My heart hurts. I’ve got this pain in my chest since I was told, and I don’t know what to do to make it go away.

Police at the scene. (Image: North News)

“I don’t want to get out of bed, but I had to for the kids.

“We’ve lost everything. Andrew was our whole world, as we were his. He is gone too soon, and we loved him. It’s not fair on the kids.”

Speaking after the guilty verdict investigating officer DCI Katie Smith said: “This is a truly tragic case in which a beloved family man has lost his life. Our thoughts very much remain with Andrew’s heartbroken loved ones as he leaves behind a fiancée and three beloved children.

Police at the scene. (Image: North News)

“Today, a man has been found guilty of murder but no conviction or any length of sentence will ever bring Andrew back.

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“There is never any justification for carrying a knife, or any weapon, but for Andrew’s death to come as a result of a disagreement over something as trivial as parking is truly reprehensible.

“We want to send a clear message to anyone who chooses to carry a weapon of any kind or believes that violence is acceptable that the consequences can be devastating.

“Look at the pain this tragedy has caused – not only could you take away someone else’s future and destroy the lives of their loved ones, but also ruin your own and those of your family and friends.”