A BURGLAR who boasted “my name is Blades because I stab people” murdered a pensioner just days after he was released from prison.
Owen Blades stabbed 69-year-old John Connolly to death in his own home with a five-and-a-half inch knife in a violent robbery.
The retired carer’s body lay undiscovered in his armchair for five days – by which point Blades was already in custody for another stabbing.
He is now facing life in prison when he is sentenced this week for murder.
Lincoln Crown Court heard Blades was released from prison a month into a 12-month sentence for assault on June 11 last year.
He took a train to Gainsborough – telling a store security guard: “My name is Blades, and it’s Blades for a reason, because I stab people.”
The following day, he went to Scunthorpe where he bought a stiletto-style knife for £25 before returning to Lincoln.
Blades first stole items from a Tesco then made his way to a Merkur Slots where he got into a row with a staff member who asked him not to drink alcohol on the premises.
The thug threatened to put the worker in a “coffin” then pulled out the blade and stabbed him in the abdomen.
After the attack, Blades first robbed a home before heading to John’s house to also burgle him.
The court heard there was no sign of forced entry and it was likely John had opened the door to Blades.
Once he was inside, the killer subjected John to an “immediate and sustained attack with the knife”.
The victim was found dead five days later in a pool of blood in his armchair with at least 18 stab wounds.
Following Blades’ arrest, police found blood-stained bank notes that officers believe were taken from John’s home.
As well as murder, he pleaded guilty to burglary, having an offensive weapon, theft and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The court heard Blades has previous convictions for battery and wounding – including against his own mum and an ex-partner.
John had worked as a carer and still helped in the community after his retirement.
One of his sisters described him as “a very caring and loving person” following his death.
Blades is due to be sentenced on Thursday.
Lincolnshire PoliceOwen Blades had been released from jail when he murdered a pensioner[/caption]
Lincolnshire PoliceJohn Connolly was found stabbed to death at home[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
