http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/rochdale-mum-tells-relief-after-6935280
Mum tells of relief after son's killer is jailed for life
Apr 08, 2014 14:34 By Damon Wilkinson
Mehretab Zemicael, 43, was told he will serve a minimum of 15 years in prison after being found guilty of the murder of Gary Brisco, 42, following a trial at the Old Bailey
The mum of a homeless man stabbed to death in a hostel has spoken of her relief after her son’s killer was jailed for life.
Mehretab Zemicael, 43, was told he will serve a minimum of 15 years in prison after being found guilty of the murder of Gary Brisco, 42, following a trial at the Old Bailey.
Gary’s mum Joan Brisco, of Crown Street, Wellfield, Rochdale, sat through most of the court case and told the Observer how she broke down in tears when the verdict was read out.
She said: “I heard the word guilty and I just groaned.
“I couldn’t listen to what else was said, I had to leave the court room because I was crying so much.”
Gary, a father-of-six, was killed on June 22, 2013, in his room at the hostel in Code Street, Whitechapel, East London, where both he and Zemicael were staying.
He had suffered multiple knife wounds, including serious stab injuries to his neck, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police launched a manhunt and Zemicael, an Eritrean national, was arrested a fortnight later having slept rough since the killing and charged with murder.
He was found guilty of murder in February following a trial and jailed last Thursday
Joan, 64, welcomed the sentence saying ‘justice had been done’.
She added: “He got what he deserved. He will never be able to harm another person.”
Gary, who battled problems with heroin and crack cocaine for large parts of his life, grew up in Rising Bridge, near Accrington, before meeting the late Kathleen Joyce.
The couple had six children - all of whom were later adopted, including eldest son Gary Jnr, 20, who was taken in by Joan.
Gary Snr moved to London about five years ago and lost touch with his family.
But with the help of police, Joan eventually tracked him down and in 2011 the pair were reunited.
She last spoke to him on the morning of his death, when he said he had ‘won some money’ and vowed to pay her a visit.
Joan said: “I always thought Gary would die from the drugs, not like this.
“It was just such a shock.”
“He was a lovable rogue who never harmed anybody.
“He would do anything for anybody.
“Although he always had problems with drugs he never gave me any trouble.”
Detective Inspector Andrew Kelly, of the Metropolitan Police’s homicide and major crime command, said: “I am pleased with the sentence that has been handed down today and Zemicael will now serve a significant number of years behind bars.
“Gary’s mother has been present at court throughout the trial and has had to hear the harrowing details of how her son was murdered.
“I hope that today’s sentence now provides her with some solace.”
Received on Tue Apr 08 2014 - 14:33:17 EDT