A “cold and calculated” murderer has been sentenced to life behind bars.

Michael Brennan was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court today having been found guilty of murdering Paul Simons. Brennan will serve a minimum of 22 years.

Mr Simons’ body was found by police inside a flat in Moulsham Street, Chelmford on Saturday, May 4. The 54-year-old, from Prospect Close in Bushey, Hertfordshire, died from multiple stab wounds.

Brennan, a 23-year-old cleaner from The Green in the Melbourne area of Chelmsford, was found guilty after a 10-day trial.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Martin Pasmore, said: “This was a cold and calculated murder.

“Following a thorough police investigation, the jury have seen through Michael Brennan’s defence of diminished responsibility and decided that he knew exactly what he was doing when he lured Paul Simons to the Moulsham Street flat and stabbed him to death.

“This has been a very difficult trial for Paul’s family who have shown great courage and dignity throughout. I hope that today’s sentencing will bring some closure to them and enable them to eventually move on with their lives.”