A JUDGE has handed down a life sentence to a Cumbrian man for murder.

Jamie Lee Armstrong, 21, from Warwick Road, Carlisle, was sentenced to serve a minimum of 25 years, for killing Luke Hollingsworth, 23, last summer.

Armstrong, who denied murdering Mr Hollingsworth throughout the case, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today (Friday) after a lengthy trial.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Police said the incident occurred on July 10 last year when police were called to a property on Etterby Lea Road, Carlisle.

When they entered the housem, Mr Hollingsworth was found dead and Armstrong had serious injuries, said police.

Det Supt Mike Forrester, who lead the investigation, said: “This was a challenging investigation with a number of lines of enquiry because of the suggestion from Armstrong that two other masked and armed intruders committed the murder.

"Clearly the investigation identified Armstrong as a suspect and, as a consequence of extensive enquiries and investigation, he was subsequently charged and has been found guilty at court.

“Our thoughts are with Luke’s family and we hope that the justice passed today will help them with their own healing process.”

A confiscation order was also issued by the Judge for an amount of cash that has been seized from Armstrong at the time of the incident.