Overview
- Byrne, 23, was sentenced Friday at Nottingham Crown Court to life in prison with a 23‑year minimum for murdering 40‑year‑old James Cook.
- Jurors heard he armed himself after a pub fight, chased Cook from Stodman Street to Castle Gate at about 11:50 p.m. on April 30 last year, and stabbed him twice while also kicking him to the head.
- Police tracked and arrested Byrne within hours, and body‑worn video recorded him asking officers, “did he die?” after they detained him at home.
- Byrne denied murder and claimed self‑defence but admitted carrying an offensive weapon, as the judge said he acted out of anger and revenge and intended to kill.
- Cook’s family described a devoted father and called Byrne “the monster who stole my dad,” while police said the killing shocked Newark and showed the grave risk of carrying knives in public.