Man jailed for life for murdering father-to-be (From Croydon Guardian)

Thornton Heath killer Carlton McKay jailed for life for murdering father-to-be Chris Isted

11:23am Friday 26th October 2012 in Local news By Andrew Bloss

A man has been jailed for life to serve a minimum of 27 years for murdering a man celebrating the news he was to become a father.

Carlton McKay, of St Paul’s Road, Thornton Heath, stabbed Chris Isted in the heart outside the Ship pub in Croydon on March 31.

He was jailed today at the Old Bailey, after last month pleading guilty to murder.

He had also pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, after stabbing Mr Isted’s friend, firefighter Kevin Millward, in the same incident.

Mr Isted and Mr Millward were out drinking celebrating Mr Isted getting the news he was to become a father, when the murder took place at about 2am.

The court heard there had been a long running feud between Mr Isted and McKay's brother Clancy, who were neighbours , and by chance were both in the pub that evening.

Mr Isted had got angry with Clancy, who had rung his mother and brother, Carlton, to tell them he thought there might be trouble.

Carlton McKay grabbed a knife and got into a taxi and headed to the pub, the court was told.

As he pulled up outside the pub in High Street he saw Mr Isted punching Clancy outside, who fell to the floor.

The court heard McKay then launched into a frenzied attack, stabbing Mr Isted a total of 14 times, including seven times in the chest.

Mr Millward was also stabbed as he tried to pull Carlton McKay away from his friend.

McKay then jumped into a taxi and drove off, leaving his brother at the scene.

Mr Isted died from his injuries.

Mr Millward, 25, who had been friends with Mr Isted for 10 years, was taken to hospital, where he recovered from his injuries.

The murder weapon has never been recovered.

Judge Barker, sentencing, said: "This is a tragic case for all concerned and devastating for both families."

Mr Isted, who was a keen BMX rider, was expecting a baby with his partner Terri Neary when he was killed.

He was employed by London South TPS as a van driver delivering parts to body shops and independent garages.