PAUL KNOTT FROM TUEBROOK SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF BABY SON IN LIVERPOOL

In a tragic and heart-wrenching case that has shocked the community of Liverpool, Paul Joseph Knott, a 35-year-old man from Tuebrook, was sentenced to life imprisonment at Liverpool Crown Court for the murder of his 12-month-old son, Kyle. The devastating incident unfolded in January 2002, amid a backdrop of personal turmoil and emotional distress.

Knott’s actions were driven by a desire for revenge against his former partner, with whom he had a tumultuous relationship that lasted for two and a half years. The court heard that on January 19, Knott was babysitting his young son at his ex-partner’s residence in Eccleston, St Helens. During this visit, he discovered that his former partner was seeing another man, a revelation that appeared to trigger his violent response.

Prosecutor Peter Davies detailed the chilling sequence of events, stating, “He never overcame his relationship with her. He was possessive of her.” In a police interview, Knott admitted that his intent was to destroy his ex-partner’s life, just as he believed she had done to his. The court was told that during the visit, Knott took his baby from the cot and placed him on a nearby bed. In a tragic act of violence, he suffocated Kyle with a pillow, kissed him as if to say goodbye, and then returned him to the cot.

The infant’s lifeless body was discovered later by the teenage son of Knott’s former partner, Lee, when he returned home. Lee reportedly told police that Knott was saying, “she would be next,” indicating his violent intentions towards his ex-partner.

Following the incident, the former partner ran into the street and locked herself inside a car, overwhelmed by fear and grief. Knott, who was known to have a drinking problem, was found nearby in the street with a bottle of whisky and a knife in hand. The court was informed that his actions were fueled by emotional instability and substance abuse.

During the proceedings, Knott pleaded guilty to the murder of Kyle and also admitted to making threats to kill his former partner. His defense lawyer, David Steer QC, emphasized that Knott did not wish to offer excuses for his behavior, acknowledging that his actions would haunt him for the rest of his life. The lawyer also highlighted the profound impact of the breakdown of his relationship on his mental state.

Judge David Clarke QC, the recorder of Liverpool, delivered the sentence, describing the murder as “a cruel and unforgivable act.” He stated, “Kyle was just 12 months old, a defenseless child. I find it impossible to think of a crueller form of revenge. I have no doubt that you now regret what you did, but no-one can now turn back the clock.” The judge’s words underscored the gravity of the crime and the irreversible loss suffered by the family and community.