Man jailed for murder of Liverpool fan in Camden bar

A man who killed a Liverpool football fan in a London club has been jailed for life.

Paul Beck, 29, was told he would have to serve a minimum of 18 years.

He pleaded guilty to murdering Alex Jarmay, 26, in February at Bar Uno in Camden, north London.

The Old Bailey was told he had overreacted, mistakenly thinking there was a threat from a large group of Liverpool fans in the club.

Mr Jarmay, a transport distribution worker from Bromborough, had travelled to London with a group of around 20 people to watch his team play Cardiff in the Carling Cup final.

Some of them, including his brother Luke, 22, went out for a drink.

Beck and his brother Damien, both of Kentish Town, Camden, were also drinking at the club.

Jonathan Turner, QC, prosecuting, said: "At nine minutes to midnight, Paul Beck stabbed Alex Jarmay to death with a knife he had just taken from the kitchen.

"Immediately prior to this, his brother Damien struck Luke Jarmay in the face with his fist, possibly with a glass."

Alex Jarmay suffered three stab wounds, one puncturing his lung.

He collapsed after staggering outside the club.

Paul Beck was later found to have taken cocaine and a witness said he had seen him inhaling it from a key.

Paul Mendelle, QC, for Beck, said he accepted he used excessive force and was full of remorse.

Judge Gerald Gordon told Beck: "As a result of your actions, that young man lost his life - a tragedy for him, his family and friends."

He added: "The taking of knives for any use against another human being, even in perceived self-defence, is wholly unacceptable."

He said there was no criticism of Mr Jarmay and his friends.

Damien Beck pleaded guilty to wounding Luke Jarmay and was sentenced to 10 months in prison.