The family of a man who was killed in Burnham-On-Sea have this week praised the ‘thorough Police investigation’ into his death which has resulted in the killer being jailed for eight years and nine months.
Joseph Pearce, right, died at a property in Burnham’s Churchill Close last summer after an altercation involving Dominic Lacey.
22 year-old Lacey, of no fixed address, admitted the manslaughter of Pearce, who Burnham-On-Sea.com reported here was found dead on July 10th.
A post-mortem examination found the 40-year-old died from a knife wound to his chest.
In a statement, Joe’s family said: “We would like to thank the police and the CPS for their thorough investigation and also the Homicide Service and our family liaison officers for the support they have provided us over the past seven months.”
“Joe’s untimely death has left his whole family devastated. He was a much loved son, father, brother, nephew and friend to so many people. No matter what the sentence is, it will never bring Joe back.”
Dominic Lacey, pictured below, admitted manslaughter during a previous hearing at Exeter Crown Court prior to being sentenced at the same court on Thursday.
Detective Chief Inspector James Riccio said: “Firstly, our thoughts remain with Joe’s family and friends. It is hard to comprehend the loss they have endured.”
“On the day of the incident a disagreement broke out between Joe and Dominic Lacey and during the ensuing fracas, Joe was stabbed once in the chest and tragically died at the scene.”
“Lacey’s decision to use a knife during this incident resulted in catastrophic consequences and he will have to suffer the consequences of his impulsive action.”
