A MILLOM man received a life sentence with a minimum of 12 years yesterday for killing his mother and sister with an axe.

John Jenkin, 24, of Newton Street, also received a hospital order after pleading guilty to two counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

The court heard that on the morning of June 28 Jenkin killed his mother Alice McMeekin, 58, from Millom, and his sister Katie Jenkin, 20, from Aberdare, with an axe.

Following this he went outside and killed the family dog.

All were found dead at the scene by police officers.

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A large scale police investigation was launched immediately and Jenkin was arrested nearby having left the scene before police arrived.

Speaking following the sentencing at Preston Crown Court, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Duhig, senior investigating officer in the case, said: “This was a particularly tragic case, and the friends and family of Alice and Katie have been left devastated.

"Our thoughts continue to be with them. This case will have lasting effects on everyone involved.

The family of Alice and Katie released this statement: “The words don’t exist to describe our feelings of loss following the events which occurred in June last year.

"It has been a family tragedy on so many levels.

“Alice and Katie will always be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew them.

“We are grateful for all the help and support we have received, particularly from family, friends, and specially trained officers from Cumbria Police.

"Life for us will never be as it was and we would now ask to be left to come to terms with our loss.”