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Father found guilty of killing four family members

25/11/2008

A father has been found guilty of killing his two children, their mother and uncle at Newcastle crown court today.

Neil Crampton, 36, of Gateshead, admitted killing his daughter Abigail, 12, son Steven, five, ex-partner Olefunke Sobo, 36, and her brother Yemi Sobo, 44, at their home in Kenton, Newcastle, in November 2006.

However, he denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Today the jury took five hours to convict him. He must now serve a minimum of 35 years in prison.

The court heard that Crampton struggled to come to terms with the end of his relationship with Ms Sobo.

He attacked his family at the home Ms Sobo and her children shared with her mother Tunde Sobo, the night before she returned from a holiday.

The jury was told that Crampton rang the police and confessed: "I've murdered my entire family."

He then added: "I need somebody to come round… can you get somebody to come immediately", before hanging up.

On arrival at the property officers discovered Ms Sobo lying in the downstairs hall area and Mr Sobo next to her.

Upstairs Abigail and Steven were found lying on bedroom floors. All four has suffered multiple, fatal stab wounds.