A jury has found a man guilty of stabbing a friend to death amid a drug-fuelled row at a property in St Osyth.

East Anglian Daily Times: Danny MyersDanny Myers (Image: Archant)

Unemployed Kevin Paddick, of no fixed address, had denied murdering Danny Myers, claiming he acted in self defence.

Mr Myers was stabbed three times in the early hours of March 20 this year at a home in Rochford Road.

A post mortem examination found the 23-year-old from Enfield died as a result of a single stab wound to the heart.

The blade had gone 8cm into his body.

East Anglian Daily Times: Kevin Paddick. Picture: ESSEX POLICEKevin Paddick. Picture: ESSEX POLICE (Image: Archant)

When police arrived, resuscitation attempts were being made on Mr Myers.

Paddick, 35, fled the scene and was arrested later that morning in Holland-on-Sea.

A court was told the stabbing happened when the two men intervened in a fight between their girlfriends, Rachel Kirby and Kelly Luckhurst.

All four had been taking drugs throughout the night.

East Anglian Daily Times: Victim Danny Myers. Picture: SUPPLIED BY ESSEX POLICEVictim Danny Myers. Picture: SUPPLIED BY ESSEX POLICE (Image: Archant)

Paddick was convicted by a jury today following a trial that began at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 9.

Detective chief inspector Stuart Smith, of Essex Police, said: “This has been a difficult trial for Danny’s family who have been understandably devastated by his loss.

“It was painful for them to hear the evidence and some of the hurtful things that have been said about their son during the last four weeks.

“They will never be able to forgive Kevin Paddick and they just want him to go to prison for the longest possible time so that he can consider the pain he has caused.

“I would like to thank the jury for listening to the facts and arriving at what I believe to be the correct verdict.

“My officers and I will continue to support the family going forward and assist them in moving on with their lives.”

Sentencing has been adjourned to take place tomorrow at the same court.