A murderer who stabbed a popular man to death has been jailed for life.

At Carlisle Crown Court today, Calvin James Patrickson, 22, who earlier admitted murdering 29-year-old Daniel McMullen, showed no emotion as he was told that he must spend at least 18 years in jail.

Earlier the court heard heartbreaking statements from the victim's brother's.

Mr McMullen's twin brother Andrew told the court: "Daniel and I were one person and now one half is living and the other half is dead."

The tragedy on January 7 led to an outpouring of public sympathy for the victim and his family.

Mr McMullen was brutally killed after he had enjoyed a night out with friends, Carlisle Crown Court heard. They had all returned to Mr McMullen's house and carried on drinking.

Witnesses told police they saw Mr McMullen hit Patrickson in the face after he became angered that he had spilled drinks and knocked over candles - kept in memory of his late father - in the house.

Patrickson, of Newlands Gardens, Workington, then went to the kitchen and returned with a knife. He stabbed Mr McMullen through the heart twice as he sat defenceless on the floor of his Beech Court home.

Two of the wounds penetrated his heart and lungs, proving fatal.

More than 100 people gathered for a candlelit vigil in his memory.

Mr McMullen was a passionate player of snooker, pool and darts and played for teams at the town's Royal British Legion.

After leaving Stainburn School he got into mechanics, studied at Lakes College and worked at a garage.

His most recent job had been at New Balance, in Flimby, over Christmas and he was hoping to get back into work soon.

His older brother Steven said at the time: "He'd do anything for anyone. He would walk miles just to go to the shop for anybody. He was very popular and outgoing, always up for a night out and he quite liked having fun and socialising.

"He knew everybody, you couldn't walk through town without somebody stopping him. He just loved life."

Speaking after the case, Temporary Detective Superintendent Lesley Hanson said: “Daniel died as a result of severe stab wounds – some which penetrated his chest by 16.5cm, and it was clear that his murder was premeditated. Today Patrickson has been brought before the courts to answer for this terrible crime.

“This sentencing will never bring Daniel back to his family and loved ones, but I hope the result today will be the beginning of some form of closure. Our thoughts remain with them during this difficult time.”

Stuart Pattinson for the CPS said: “This is a tragic case of a night out with friends ending with devastating consequences.

“It was the prosecution case that following a disagreement, the two men made amends. However, soon afterwards Calvin Patrickson carried out a pre-meditated attack by arming himself with a knife from the kitchen which he used to stab Daniel multiple times.

“The CPS worked closely with the police to build a strong prosecution case, which left him with no other choice than to plead guilty to murder.

“We hope that today’s sentence offers the family and friends of Daniel McMullen a sense that justice has been served. Our thoughts are very much with them at this time.”