Colin Chevalier murder: Darren McCormick jailed for axe killing
An axe killer who inflicted 40 wounds on a man in a brutal attack in his home in Jersey has been jailed for life.
When Darren McCormick was arrested after the killing of 46-year-old Colin Chevalier, he was found to be carrying his victim's right ear.
Mr Chevalier was found in his flat in Duhamel Place, St Helier, on 5 April.
McCormick, 36, who admitted murder, was told by a judge at the Royal Court of Jersey that he must serve at least 25 years before being eligible for parole.
He will begin his sentence at La Moye Prison in Jersey but is expected to spend the remainder of his sentence at a suitable facility in the UK.
The court heard Mr Chevalier was attacked in his bed after McCormick went to his flat to buy drugs.
McCormick then took a Stanley knife and cut off his victim's right ear.
He was arrested the following day on Jersey's east coast.
Jersey Police said both McCormick and Mr Chevalier were known to them and McCormick had been previously convicted of a string of violent offences.
Det Supt Stewart Gull, leading the investigation, praised States and honorary police officers for their work on the investigation.
He said: "A small number of staff have worked tirelessly on this investigation during the last 10 months beyond their core role.
"Much of that work unseen, in order to ensure the best possible evidence was secured that has today culminated in this outcome on behalf of both Colin and his family."
A spokesman for Mr Chevalier's family said: "No sentence can ever make up for the loss of Colin, especially in such horrific circumstances. What has happened is beyond our comprehension."