Overview

• Owen Blades, released early from a 12-month prison sentence, murdered 69-year-old John Connolly in his Lincoln home on June 13, 2024.
• Blades purchased a stiletto knife the day after his release and used it in a series of violent crimes, including burglary and assaulting an arcade worker, Tyler Baxter.
• John Connolly, a retired carer, was stabbed at least 18 times in an attack described as 'immediate and sustained'; his body was discovered five days later.
• Blades, who has a history of violent offenses, including attacks on family members, admitted to murder, grievous bodily harm, and other charges at Lincoln Crown Court.
• He is set to be sentenced this week and is expected to receive a life sentence for his crimes.