An inquest into the death of a father who died while protecting his teenage daughter has been called off after it emerged that a ‘new criminal investigation’ is underway. Mark Webster died in July 2021 after being confronted by Levi Westhead, his teenage daughter’s ex.
The 50-year-old dad from Blackpool was rushed to hospital after Westhead stabbed him 12 times outside the family home in Carsluith Avenue. Sadly, despite the efforts of medics to save his life he died in hospital.
Westhead was subsequently jailed for the deadly attack on Mark in April 2022. His attacker, who was 18 when he killed Mark, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years after he was convicted of murder, LancsLive reports.
READ MORE: It started with a scrap in the street… then seconds later he was dead
Prior to his conviction Preston Court heard that Westhead had been on an on off relationship with Mark’s daughter, who was 16 years old at the time. On July 23 2021 he had gone to the house after she broke up with him for a ‘final showdown’.
Westhead had stabbed Mark in the chest and abdomen, with the blade penetrating his heart. After deliberating for three hours the jury dismissed his claim that he had been acting in self defence and found him guilty of murder unanimously.
Judge Simon Medland KC said at the time: “This was an appalling crime which should never have happened. Mark Webster was a hard working, extra special man, who established a decent living and decent way of life for his family. He died protecting them. The loss suffered by the Webster family is irreparable.
“No sentence can equal the value of Mark Webster’s life. As Michelle Webster says, no sentence could ever be enough.”
After the sentencing, Mark’s wife Michelle said in a statement: “Web was definitely an extra special human being, my rock and absolute world. Words cannot describe how heartbroken I am and by God, do I miss him. I loved him so, so much. Web was the most placid, funny, loving gentleman. He had many friends and was loved by everyone.
“Nobody should have to witness what I have, let alone his two children who he had doted on since the day they were born. Web was the true meaning of a dad, he loved them so much. He did everything with the kids and has been hands on in every way since the day they were born.”
An inquest into Mark’s death had been due to begin on November 27. However, Blackpool senior coroner Alan Wilson adjourned the hearing after discovering that ‘new criminal proceedings’ had been launched.
At a pre-inquest review on November 8, Mr Wilson said that a ‘linked but separate investigation’ may result in criminal charges. The coroner expressed his frustration at having to cancel the inquest at such short notice, saying: “Nobody bothered telling me.”
Mr Wilson added: “I have to say that I am not persuaded that proceeding with the inquest would be appropriate at the end of the month. I am going to vacate that hearing because I want clarity about what is happening with that live investigation.”
EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel
