Knife attack killer caged

Damien Noble (31) used a makeshift ladder to break into James “Jock” King’s Denaby flat armed with a knife.

He put a pillow across the sleeping victim’s face and demanded he hand over some heroin.

There was a struggle and Mr King (40) was stabbed in the chest before Noble fled with around £200 and some drugs.

Mr King tried to call for help but he collapsed and died in the entrance hall to his Tadcaster Close flat last November.

On Friday, a jury at Sheffield Crown Court found Noble, previously of West Street, Mexborough, guilty of murder and Judge Peter Coulson sentenced him to a minimum of 22 years in prison.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr King’s father, John, said: “Jock was a doting and loving step-father to his ex-wife’s three children.

“However, after the break down of his marriage, Jock sadly, lost his way. His lifestyle became turbulent and his behaviour was sometimes inappropriate.

“The whole community is saddened by his loss, especially the elderly who would have Jock look after their gardens.

“We would like to thank the police and the prosecuting barrister.” 

The court heard that Mr King had been supplying local youths with heroin and he himself was a regular user and heavy drinker.