Laurence Bourke, 24, has been jailed for life after stabbing his landlord, Scott Gilhooly, to death in a brutal attack at the Swiss Bell pub in Braintree. Bourke had rented a spare room above the pub on Mountbatten Road for about a year before the fatal incident.
The murder took place on the morning of 17 May last year. At around 8.10am on the day of the attack, Bourke sent texts to family members confessing to the killing. Emergency services were called to the scene but sadly pronounced 44-year-old Scott Gilhooly dead. Armed officers arrested Bourke on suspicion of murder.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Scott died from stab wounds to his chest and neck. Scott was a much-loved father, son, brother, uncle, and brother-in-law who had run the Swiss Bell with his family for nearly 20 years.
Bourke pleaded guilty to the murder at Basildon Crown Court in January. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years to be served behind bars.
Detective Inspector Andy Clarkson from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate condemned the attack, stating, “Scott was hugely popular, a community champion and respected local businessman, contributing greatly through his charity work and fundraising. His tragic death leaves an enormous void in the lives of all his family and friends.”
He added, “There is no doubt that this was a most heinous, senseless and unprovoked murder. While no sentence will ever bring Scott back, I hope today’s hearing will help his family move forward.”
In a heartfelt statement, Scott’s family expressed their gratitude to emergency services and Essex Police for their support during this difficult time. They said, “We want to dedicate a very heartfelt thank you to all emergency services personnel who attended the Swiss Bell Public House on Sunday 17 May last year, and to Essex Police for their continued support during a difficult time. We also praise the prosecuting team led by Mr Andrew Jackson for their thorough investigation, diligent case handling and empathy during a very sensitive and most distressing time.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
