A HEREFORDSHIRE man has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 18 years for the murder of his friend in Ross-on-Wye.

Kestutis Lekunas, 36, of Bluebell Close, was sentenced today, May 4, at Worcester Crown Court after he was found guilty of murdering Nerijus Liukpetris at an earlier hearing.

The court heard that Lekunas stabbed his friend, 40-year-old Nerijus Liukpetris, in Bluebell Close, Ross-on-Wye, after a disagreement on October 2 last year.

The pair had been at a party at Lekunas’ house that evening and after stepping outside became involved in an argument.

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An row took place in which Nerijus assaulted Lekunas. Lekunas then went back into the house and came back outside with a knife, where he delivered the fatal stab wound to Nerijus’s neck.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Steve Cook said: “I’m pleased that the case has concluded today and that Lekunas will now pay the price for his actions on that night back in October.

“This case is a devastating example of the consequences which can come from a split-second decision when tensions are high.

“Our thoughts remain with Nerijus’s family at this difficult time.”