A MAN who committed a ’senseless murder over a petty grievance’ has been sentenced to life in prison.

Carl Smythe, 46, of Liskeard, was found guilty at Truro Crown Court yesterday of the murder of Damien Bendelow, 20.

Over the two weeks of the trial, the court heard how Smythe had fought Damien in the White Horse pub in Liskeard on January 25, and later met him in the Cattle Market, where Smythe attacked the younger man.

Judge Simon Carr said that Smythe had ’stabbed Damien six times and left him to bleed to death in front of his friends and young girlfriend’.

Smythe will serve a minimun term of 21 years before he can be considered for parole.

After having not been present in court for the past few days of his trial, Smythe was in the court room this morning to hear the words spoken by Damien’s parents Gary and Tracey, and to hear the remarks made by Judge Simon Carr.

Gary Bendelow and Tracey Blackie described the enormous and devastating impact of Damien’s death on themselves, their family, friends and wider community, and described how they missed him every day.

The Judge thanked police for their meticulous investigation and thanked Damien’s family and friends for their dignity during the trial and sentencing.