Pictured: Son, 32, accused of stabbing his own mother, 55, to death behind a pub
This is the first picture of the man who has been accused of stabbing his own mum to death behind a pub in Kirkby, Merseyside.
Karen Dempsey, 55, was found with a stab wound to the chest following an incident outside the Brambles pub where she is believed to have been watching Manchester United vs Liverpool on Monday, August 22.
Ms Dempsey was rushed to the hospital from the pub, which is on Cherryfield Drive in Kirkby, at around 8.10pm but she died a short time later.
Merseyside Police have charged Karen’s son Jamie Dempsey, 32, of Brechin Road, Kirkby with murder and he appeared before magistrates in Liverpool today.
He wore a grey polo shirt and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address during a brief hearing before District Judge Wendy Lloyd.
The 32-year-old was not asked to enter a plea to the charge – or counts of wounding with intent, affray and possession of a bladed article in a public place – and will now be brought before Liverpool Crown Court on Friday.
A 38-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of affray and s18 wounding is being questioned by police.
This is the first picture of 32-year-old Jamie Dempsey who is accused of stabbing his mother, Karen Dempsey (pictured left), 55, to death
Ms Dempsey was fatally stabbed outside the Brambles pub in Kirkby, Merseyside on Monday
A local man told the Liverpool Echo that Karen was in the Brambles pub on Monday evening to watch Manchester United vs Liverpool.
Floral tributes to Karen have been left at the scene this week, while many shared their memories of her.
Ms Dempsey’s family said she was a ‘beautiful, vivacious and compassionate woman who always had a smile on her face and lit up a room’. They added: ‘Her zest for life was infectious and it left others breathless. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends.
‘Karen was dedicated to her work and in helping others she made a real difference to people’s lives. She was a fantastic advocate for social justice for more than 30 years and her loss will be felt right across Kirkby.’
Ms Dempsey’s places of work have now come forward to pay tribute to the 55-year-old.
The Women’s Organisation said that she worked as part of the Kirkby Unemployed Centre, where she helped the community. A spokesperson said: ‘Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of Karen Dempsey.
‘We worked with Karen while she was part of Kirkby Unemployed Centre where she passionately served her community. Another senseless murder on our city streets. Another innocent life taken. This must stop.’
A community centre in south west Lancashire also paid tribute to the 55-year-old, calling her a ‘women’s champion, life-long activist and advocate for the rights of local people’.
The South West Lancashire Independent Community Centre, in Skelmersdale, said Ms Dempsey joined their benefit, debt and IT advice charity in 2019.
