POLICE welcomed the sentencing of a 17-year-old boy who was jailed for murder yesterday.

As reported by the Journal, 49-year-old Paul Marsh was killed by Jordan Rance after the young man arrived at a house on Samuel Street in Atherton, apparently intending to deliver drugs on someone else's behalf.

At a sentencing hearing, Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court heard that tension that existed between the pair reached boiling point on November 17, 2023.

After the pair "squared off with each other", the incident resulted in Rance fatally stabbing Marsh in the shoulder and fleeing the scene.

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Leigh Journal: Paul Marsh was tragically killed after the altercationPaul Marsh was tragically killed after the altercation (Image: GMP)
Rance, who was 16 at the time of the attack, initially claimed that he had found the knife at the scene and had defended himself against Marsh.

He later pleaded guilty to attempted grievous bodily harm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and also admitted to possession of a knife and to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The court also heard that Rance had tried to evade justice following Marsh's death by making several phone calls, but he was found guilty of murder by a jury earlier this year.

At his sentencing hearing yesterday, Rance, of Platt Hill Avenue in Daubhill, was jailed for 21 years and the courts decided to lift the restrictions on his identity as he will turn 18 while in prison.

Leigh Journal: Jordan Rance was jailed for 21 yearsJordan Rance was jailed for 21 years (Image: GMP)
Speaking about the case, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, of our Major Incident Team, said: “This is a tragic case in which a seemingly innocuous exchange has escalated and resulted in a loss of life. Our thoughts remain with Paul’s family at this time.

“We also have a young person going to prison for a long time. This case should serve as a stark reminder that carrying a knife is illegal and you could be jailed if you're found to be in possession of one.

"No good can come from carrying a knife and self-protection is not a reasonable excuse.”

  • You can report an incident of knife crime by calling 101 or talking to us via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.
  • Always dial 999 in an emergency.