MANCHESTER, England, May 6 (UPI) -- A man who stabbed his male partner to death in an argument over a heating bill was sentenced to life in prison by a court in Manchester, England, Thursday.
Michael Edwards, 32, of Manchester's Chorlton-on-Medlock area, must serve at least 13 years before being eligible for parole, Manchester Crown Court Judge Anthony Gee said in Britain's first domestic violence murder within a same-sex marriage.
Edwards admitted in court to stabbing his 35-year-old partner, John Edwards, in the heart after arguing over turning the heating on and its cost.
Britain's Daily Mail said Michael Edwards stood crying and shaking as Gee told him: 'You went through a civil ceremony together and in the main you lived happily together thereafter. I am prepared to accept that you now bitterly regret your actions and the loss you have caused."
The couple, who both worked at Manchester's Waldorf pub, had been drinking at the pub the evening of Nov. 26, 2009, before returning home, Prosecutor Elizabeth Nicholls said in court.
They later began arguing over the heating bill.
Michael Edwards then grabbed a knife and John Edwards ran. Michael Edwards chased him, stabbing him in the left side of the chest, Nicholls said.
With "blood all over his hands," Michael Edwards called an ambulance, claiming his partner had stabbed himself, Nicholls said. John Edwards died next day.
Michael Edwards later admitted he intended to cause John Edwards serious harm, but denied intending to kill him.
