Wakefield Man Jailed for Life Over Murder of Stephen Burkinshaw
Christopher Lodge, 37, from Buckingham Court, Wakefield, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 15 years and 10 months at Leeds Crown Court yesterday. He pled guilty to the murder of 40-year-old Stephen Burkinshaw.
Victim Found with Serious Injuries
Stephen Burkinshaw was discovered in the early hours of 10 April at the Buckingham Court address, suffering serious injuries. He was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away shortly after.
Police Offer Sympathy as Family Seeks Closure
“Our hearts go out to Mr. Burkinshaw’s family during this tragic time,” said Detective Inspector Sam Freeman of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team. “We hope his family can find some closure now that his killer has been sentenced.”
Family Pays Tribute to Stephen
Stephen’s family shared a moving tribute alongside a new photograph:
“Despite the fact that no sentence could ever change the outcome of this unfortunate situation, we are relieved to have received some form of closure. We would like to thank our liaison officer and victim support worker for assisting us as best they could during this terrible time. Stephen will always be in our hearts; he may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. We will always love you, our beautiful baby blue-eyed boy, so fly high.”
