Adam Jenkins sentenced to eight years in prison for Christmas Day killing of Simon Birch

Adam Jenkins (left) has been sentenced to eight years for killing Simon Birch in 2021. Credit: Northumbria Police

A man who fatally stabbed his sister’s boyfriend following a Christmas Day row has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

Adam Jenkins was cleared of murder but found guilty of manslaughter by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

CCTV footage captured the moment 39-year-old Birch sustained a single, fatal wound outside Jenkins’ home.

Paramedics tried to save him but he died shortly after.

Jenkins, 36, of Sunderland Road, Newbottle, was arrested at the scene. 

Simon Birch died at the scene. Credit: Handout

The party on Christmas Day had started in high spirits.

However, late into the evening, eye-witnesses reported Birch attacking his own partner, the sister of Adam Jenkins.

Jenkins had been asleep but was woken by the disturbance. A confrontation between the men ensued.

  • CCTV showing the moments before Simon Birch was fatally stabbed

They were separated, with Jenkins being ushered into the kitchen and Birch outside.

Jenkins then took three knives and went onto the driveway where the fatal incident occurred.

He maintained that he had never intended to harm his former friend.

He said, due to the stress and anxiety of the situation, he had no memory of taking a weapon or inflicting the wound.

Jenkins' Newbottle home, where the stabbing took place. Credit: NCJ Media

Summing up, the judge described Mr Birch as a young man who “had much of his life before him and would have turned 40 this year.”

She added he was much loved by his family and, although he was described in court as a violent man, he did not have the chance to answer back or explain himself.

"I am sure," the judge continued, "you did not form the intent to cause Simon Birch serious harm or death."

After the attack Jenkins was reported as helping at the scene as best he could.

He was sentenced to eight years in prison with release from custody after serving two thirds of his sentence- serving the rest in community service.

  • Police body cam footage showing the moment Jenkins was told he had called Mr Birch

In a statement, Northumbria Police said "This is another tragic case that highlights the real and irreversible consequences of carrying a knife. There are never any winners when it comes to knife crime and I sincerely hope this sends a strong and sobering message across the North East."

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