Alex Jarmay killer jailed for life

Dec 5 2012 by Kate Forrester, Birkenhead News

A MAN who killed a Liverpool FC fan at a London bar before the Carling Cup final was jailed for life.

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

Beck 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 venue.

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

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

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

Jonathan Turner, QC, prosecuting, said: “At 11.51pm, Paul Beck stabbed Alex Jarmay to death with a knife he had just taken from the kitchen.

“Immediately before this, his brother Damien struck Luke Jarmay in the face, possibly with a glass.”

Alex Jarmay, a former Wirral Grammar student, suffered three stab wounds, one puncturing his lung. He collapsed after staggering outside.

He had been described by loved ones as a “gentle giant” and devoted uncle.

Unemployed 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, defending 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.

“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, 24, pleaded guilty to wounding Luke Jarmay.

He was jailed for 10 months for striking Luke, splitting his lips and injuring his mouth.

Judge Gordon told Beck: “You will have to live with the fact that your blow proved to be the prelude to your brother’s fatal stabbing.”

Mr Jarmay’s family were in court for sentence.

After the verdict, Luke posted on Twitter: “Paul Beck is sentenced to a minimum 18 years. Damien Beck sentenced to 10 months will be out for Christmas. Mixed emotions.

“We would again like to thank everyone. And the police and CPS would like to thank the strength of our witnesses, even though not needed.”