A MAN who battered and stabbed his disabled friend to death has been jailed for life.

Andrew Blaine, 25, must serve a minimum of 17 years after pleading guilty to murdering Kevin Walsh.

Mr Walsh, 46, from Birchwood, near Warrington, had limited mobility and relied on a network of close friends to shop for him or keep him company.

Chester Crown Court heard how he allowed Blaine to collect his disability benefits for him from the Post Office.

Who else has been sent to prison in October? Sentences and picture gallery

But Blaine emptied Mr Walsh's account then murdered him to cover his tracks.

Mr Walsh's body was found slumped in a chair at his home on Whitethroat Walk in February.

A post-mortem examination ruled the attack was `sustained and determined'.

Mr Walsh had been beaten about the head and face.

Suffocated

Mr Walsh also suffered multiple slash wounds and 20 puncture wounds to his chest. Evidence also pointed to him being suffocated, and his throat was also cut.

Other injuries showed Mr Walsh tried to defend himself.

Det Insp Jo Miller said: "This was a sustained and deliberate attempt to end the life of another human being.

"The level of violence used in the attack was extreme."

Police said Blaine tried to persuade his friends to cover for him, but they refused.

He even telephoned police to say he had found Mr Walsh dead.

Detectives later found knives in bushes and clothing belonging to Blaine that was stained with Mr Walsh's blood.

Det Insp Miller said: "This conviction sends a clear message to those who may contemplate violence, particularly on those more vulnerable than themselves, that such violence will not be tolerated and the offender will be pursued and brought to justice."