Man who stabbed brother to death jailed

A man who killed his brother with a single stab wound to the heart has been sentenced to a minimum of 18 years in prison.

Danny Craze, 36, from West Molesey, had told a court his brother, Louis, had walked into a knife during an argument in November.

Craze, who was arrested on the afternoon of the killing, also told jurors he was holding a knife to protect himself.

But after a 10-day trial, on Thursday a jury at Lewes Crown Court unanimously found him guilty of murder. He was sentenced on Monday.

In a tribute to Louis, 26, the family said they were "heartbroken".

Officers were first called to an address in Bishop Fox Way at midday on 18 November after receiving a report that a man had been stabbed.

They found the younger brother at the property, but he was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of officers and paramedics.

A post-mortem showed he died from a single stab wound to the heart.

Police said the fatal stabbing took place following a verbal altercation between the brothers.

Det Ch Insp Gareth Hicks said a "senseless act of violence" had "rippled out" to affect the victim's loved ones and the local community.

He said: "My thoughts and condolences are with the family of Louis Craze who have been left devastated by the death of Louis and the circumstances surrounding it."

A statement released by Surrey Police said: "We would ask that people appreciate that this is a sad and tragic time for the family and that we are left alone to grieve for Louis in peace whilst we try to understand what has happened."

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