Wirral's independent local news website
Merseyside Police has charged a 32-year-old man with murder following a fatal stabbing in Kirkby.
Jamie Dempsey, of Brechin Road, Kirkby, was charged following an incident outside the Brambles pub in Kirkby on Monday, 22nd August.
Karen Dempsey, 55, who is also from the Kirkby area, was found in the pub car park with a stab wound to the chest.
She was taken to hospital but later died.
Jamie Dempsey, Karen’s son, was also charged with possession of a bladed article, s18 wounding with intent and affray.
He has been remanded into custody to appear at Merseyside Domestic Violence remand court tomorrow, Thursday 25 August.
A 38-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and s18 wounding is being questioned by police.
The family of Karen Dempsey have paid the following tribute to her:
“Karen was a beautiful, vivacious and compassionate woman who always had a smile on her face and lit up a room. Her zest for life was infectious and it left others breathless. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends.
“Karen was dedicated to her work and in helping others she made a real difference to people’s lives. She was a fantastic advocate for social justice for more than 30 years and her loss will be felt right across Kirkby.
“As a family we are devastated by her untimely death – it was her willingness to help that lead to her being cruelly taken from us.
“She will be sorely missed by her family and friends – her death has left a huge void in our lives.
“We would like to thank the police for their investigations and the emergency services who fought so hard to save her life.”
Karen’s family have asked for privacy as they grieve for their loss.
Anyone with information about where knives are being stored and who is carrying them is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also call 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
Image: Karen Dempsey – Family handout
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