A man who controlled and physically abused his flatmate in Macclesfield has been found guilty of his murder and sentenced to a minimum of 18 years in prison.

Andrew Anderson stabbed Peter Kirkham in the chest inside his home on Stirling Close on Wednesday 23 September 2020.

His death came after a period of cohesive behaviour and physical harm by Anderson who isolated him from his family and friends.

Anderson commandeered Peter’s mobile phone by putting his own SIM card into it and would say Peter was busy. He also controlled him financially by using his bank account and credit card. He had no income, he was frequently short of money and therefore would, on occasions, get Peter to shoplift for him.

Detective Sergeant Tennyson said: "Even on the day he took Peter’s life Anderson still wanted to be in control of the situation by fabricating what happened in order to cover himself.

“He left Peter feeling threatened, scared and trapped in a terrifying situation that he just couldn’t or wouldn’t be able to get out of.

“I hope that a unanimous guilty verdict provides some closure for Peter’s family after everything they have been through.”

Peter's brother said: "“Now he can find peace in heaven."

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