A drug dealer has been jailed for 23 years after murdering a young father in a flat in Braintree.

Luke Eva killed drugs rival Michael Haastrup, 24, by stabbing him in the heart and left thigh at a flat in Cressing Road, on April 16 last year.

The three week trial heard that Eva, 24, of Avondale Way in Leigh, and Haastrup, from Southend, were rivals.

A brawl erupted in the Cressing Road flat and spilled out into the street, leaving Mr Haastrup with two stab wounds and in a critical condition.

He died the next morning in Broomfield Hospital.

Eva admitted a charge of possession of an offensive weapon and also to stabbing Mr Haastrup, but argued he only did so in self defence.

He was found guilty of murder earlier this week.

Today Judge Charles Gratwicke sentenced Eva to 23 years in prison for the murder as well as 18 months in prison to run concurrently for possession of an offensive weapon.

When sentencing Eva, Judge Gratwick, described Michael’s murder as a "savage and brutal killing”.

He said: "You showed no remorse at the time or during the trial. You are a callous, dangerous and ruthless individual.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hall, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, led the investigation into the murder.

Speaking after the sentencing he said: "Luke Eva went to the flat that night armed with a knife. His actions had fatal consequences and he will be paying the price for those actions. He took away a young man’s life and he will serve many years in prison. This sentence will not bring Michael back, but will at least give his family and friends some solace that justice has been served.

He added: "This case illustrates the deadly impact that drugs and knife crime can have on families, societies and the local community.”