Double murderer Lee Tipping sentenced for brutal killing of his parents in Higher Walton

In the early hours of November 20 last year, Lee Tipping murdered his mum Tricia and dad Anthony in their own home in Cann Bridge Street, Higher Walton.

Last month, the 36-year-old was found guilty of their murders after a jury heard how he had stabbed his parents more than 320 times in the frenzied killing.

He claimed he acted in self defence when he stabbed his dad 165 times before turning the knife on his mum and stabbing her more than 150 times– but the jury did not accept this.

Today (Thursday, July 28), Lee Tipping attended Preston Crown Court for his sentencing where he stood in the dock wearing a navy hoodie and jeans.

He was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 27 years for their murders.

He was told he would have to serve a minimum of 27 years before he is eligible to go before the Parole Board, who will then decide whether he should be released.

The 36-year-old showed no emotion as he was led to the cells to begin his sentence.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We hope this sentence goes some way to provide closure for Tricia and Anthony’s family, and our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time.”

The murders of Anthony Tipping and Tricia Livesey – what happened?

Police were called at 1.40pm on November 20 to a concern for the safety of the occupants of the home in Cann Bridge Street, Higher Walton.

Officers forced entry and sadly found Tricia, 57, and Anthony, 60, deceased inside the home.

A Home Office post-mortem examination confirmed that they both died from multiple stab wounds.

Lee Tipping was arrested on suspicion of murder and was subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act.

After a full review he was deemed fit for interview and after consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service he was charged with both murders.

During his trial, it was revealed that Tipping had washed the knife and placed it in his dad's hand after the killings.

Tipping, who had no previous convictions, admitted to killing his parents but denied murder, claiming self-defence and loss of control against his father and loss of control in relation to the death of his mother.

Following a four-week trial at Preston Crown Court, a jury rejected his defence and found Tipping guilty of two counts of murder.

Police statement

Following today’s sentencing, Det Chief Insp Jill Johnston, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “I welcome the life sentence handed down to Lee Tipping by the courts, which reflects the seriousness of his offending and was aggravated by his lack of remorse.

"Although no sentence can and will never make up for the horrific, sustained and violent attack Lee subjected his parents to, I hope that Tricia and Anthony’s families and friends get some sense of closure knowing that this case has now come to a conclusion.

"They have remained incredibly dignified throughout this investigation and my thoughts remain with them at this very difficult time.”