Jail For Teen Ewan Ireland Who Stabbed Lawyer To Death In Newcastle Shopping Centre

Ewan Ireland was 17 when he attacked Peter Duncan, 52, with a screwdriver at the entrance to Eldon Square shopping centre.
LOADINGERROR LOADING

A teenager who stabbed a lawyer to death as the older man walked home through a shopping centre has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 15 years.

Ewan Ireland was 17 when he attacked 52-year-old Peter Duncan at the entrance to Newcastle’s Eldon Square shopping centre in August.

The two had merely brushed past each other when the agitated youth pulled out a screwdriver he had just shoplifted, and stabbed the devoted father once in the heart.

Ewan Ireland stabbed Peter Duncan in the heart
Ewan Ireland stabbed Peter Duncan in the heart
PA

Duncan, who was an in-house lawyer for an international maritime firm, managed to walk on a few yards before he collapsed near a Greggs.

Northumbria Police described the horrifying attack as unprovoked and a “chance encounter”.

The day after the murder, Duncan’s family said: “Peter was a kind and caring man who was always first to help others.

“He was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend and loved by all who knew him. His death will leave such a huge hole in our lives and he’ll be deeply missed by us all.

Duncan was on his way home when he brushed past Ireland
Duncan was on his way home when he brushed past Ireland
Northumbria Police/ PA

“Words can’t quite describe what life will be like without him.

“He had so much of his life left to live and he’ll be in our hearts and thoughts every day.”

The case was adjourned after Ireland admitted murder to allow psychiatric and psychological reports to be prepared.

After he pleaded guilty, it emerged that Ireland was a serial youth offender who continued to commit violent crimes despite being on bail.

Close

What's Hot