Flatmate Killer Jailed for Life After Brutal Macclesfield Murder
A man who terrorised and physically abused his flatmate before stabbing him to death has been locked up for life. Andrew Anderson plunged a knife into Peter Kirkham’s chest at their Stirling Close home in Macclesfield, before dialing paramedics at around 2am on Wednesday 23 September 2020.
Deceptive Lies Unravelled by Crucial Evidence
The 35-year-old killer tried to claim Peter, 45, inflicted the fatal wounds himself. But police proved the knife placed next to Peter at the scene was a fake scapegoat. Anderson had actually tossed the murder weapon over a nearby fence hours earlier.
Peter suffered a savage, prolonged assault involving blunt force trauma and stab wounds inconsistent with self-harm. The attack came after months of control, abuse and isolation from his family and friends.
Controlled, Abused and Isolated
- Anderson moved in with Peter in July 2019, using family ties to disguise his true nature.
- He stole Peter’s phone, inserting his own SIM to block contact with loved ones.
- Anderson drained Peter’s finances, forcing him to shoplift to survive.
Peter’s brother described the desperate struggle to reach him as Anderson exerted full control over his life.
Text Evidence Exposes Killer’s Lies
Though Anderson claimed he was asleep until finding Peter unresponsive at 1:45am, mobile phone records tell a different story. Anderson was texting and chatting until the early hours while Peter lay dying.
Peter’s death occurred between 5pm on 22 September and 2am on 23 September. Paramedics arrived too late to save him.
Justice Served After Gruelling Trial
A 16-day trial at Chester Crown Court ended with a unanimous guilty verdict on 21 May. Anderson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 18 years behind bars.
“Anderson was a volatile man who controlled Peter, preventing him from living an independent life. He physically abused him and isolated him from his loved ones,” said Detective Sergeant Helen Tennyson.
“Even on the day he took Peter’s life, he tried to cover it up. Peter was trapped in a terrifying situation he couldn’t escape. I hope this verdict brings some closure to Peter’s family.”
Peter’s brother Paul Kirkham paid tribute: “Thanks to Cheshire Constabulary and everyone who supported us. Now Peter can find peace in heaven.”
