Kai Pennell (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
A man has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 23 years after admitting to killing 47-year-old Duane Keen at an address in Riverside Drive, Blaenavon.
Gwent Police launched a murder investigation following a report that Duane had received serious injuries in the early hours of Friday 17 October last year.
Kai Pennell, 35, from Torfaen, admitted earlier this month to killing Duane and to damaging a car belonging to an ex-partner on the same date.
He was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday 24 February.
The attack
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths said: “Kai Pennell killed Duane Keen in a jealousy-fuelled and violent attack.
“Taking a knife from his own property implied that he intended to cause serious harm when confronting Duane in the early hours of that morning. His actions had devastating consequences and Duane’s death has impacted the lives of his family, loved ones, friends and community.”
Family tribute 🕊
Following the sentencing, Duane’s family said: “Today a life sentence of 23 years has been awarded to Kai Pennell for taking the life of my son Duane. A loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
“Although justice has been given, the life sentence will never be truly enough, as we the family have lost our loved one who will never have his life to live and we now have to live the rest of our lives without him.
“We the family would like to thank the police, CPS and all the team that have worked tirelessly on this case and have supported us throughout the past several months.”
DCI Tomkova-Griffiths added: “I’d like to pay tribute to the friends and family who have had to come to terms with Duane’s death and shown great strength throughout this difficult process.
“I know today’s sentencing will never bring him back; however I hope this outcome brings some consolation and closure for them.”
