The murderer of a Blackwood man at a Newport homeless shelter has been jailed for life.
Rhys Jones, 36, died from his injuries after being stabbed 13 times by Rhys Barnes in Clarence Place on November 24 last year.
Barnes, 28, from Newport, admitted murder at Cardiff Crown Court last month.
Sentencing him on Thursday, March 24, at the same court, Recorder Eleri Rees described the attack as “brutal” and “sustained”.
Barnes must serve at least 26 years behind bars. The court was told he had shown no remorse and had told police officers at Ystrad Mynach police station that he would “not lose any sleep” over the death of Mr Jones.
The stabbing had followed a row over a woman who Barnes believed to be his girlfriend but was also having a relationship with father-of-two Mr Jones. Barnes stabbed Mr Jones after the woman claimed he had hit her during an argument.
After Mr Jones’ body was discovered the next morning, police found Barnes covered in blood and next to a steak knife at his flat in the homeless shelter.
Superintendent Steve Corcoran, Senior Investigating Officer with Gwent Police, said: “This is a tragic case involving the loss of Rhys Jones at such a young age in an unprovoked and needless attack.
“My thoughts are with Rhys’ family at this difficult time and I hope the outcome today will assist in some small way as they grieve for him.
Although their efforts were in vain, I also wish to take this opportunity to thank the staff at Rhys’ hostel who provided CPR and support to him immediately following the assault.”