A MAN has been sentenced to 24 years for murdering his former partner's boyfriend in Heysham.

Gareth Mason, 26, had admitted one count of murdering Adam Stirrup and one of the wounding of Katrina Rudrum when he appeared at Preston Crown Court yesterday.

And today he was sentenced to more than two decades in prison.

“I am satisfied with the sentence passed today as it reflects the appalling gravity of Mason’s actions," said Detective Supt Paul Withers, of Lancashire Constabulary.

"This was a truly horrendous incident which cost a young man his life and which left his partner very seriously injured. "While she has now recovered physically, she may never fully recover emotionally or psychologically.

Police were called at 12.45am on Sunday, August 4, to reports of a stabbing at Stud Farm Holiday Park in Heysham.

Officers discovered Miss Rudrum suffering from serious stab wounds to the neck, abdomen and back. Her 28-year-old partner Adam Stirrup was found nearby also suffering from stab wounds.

Both were taken to the Royal Preston Hospital where Mr Stirrup died of his injuries.

Miss Rudrum was later transferred to the Royal Blackburn Hospital and has since recovered from her physical injuries.

Mason, who is originally from Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, was arrested by officers in Stoke on Trent a short time after the stabbing and charged.

"Mason, motivated solely by the jealousy he felt that his former partner had started a new relationship, has left two families devastated by his actions," continued Detective Supt Withers.

“Gareth Mason is a very violent and dangerous individual who now faces a lengthy custodial sentence to reflect on what he has done."