Strangler rang 999 to confess he murdered friend

A convicted killer released from prison after strangling his best man has now been jailed for the murder of another friend he choked to death during a row.

David Jack dialled 999 on 6 December to admit he had just killed 55-year-old Paul Anderson in a fight at a home in Royton, Greater Manchester.

The now 59-year-old had previously been jailed for manslaughter for strangling to death the best man at his wedding in 2013.

Following his second conviction, Jack was handed a life sentence at Manchester Crown Court and told he would have to serve at least 26 years and six months behind bars.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers were called to the home on Plumpton Close in Royton at about 19:50 GMT after reports of a fight.

Anderson was declared dead at the scene.

The court heard Jack had called a friend that night to tell them he had "killed somebody" before ringing 999 to confess.

A GMP spokesperson said the cause of death was later ascertained to have been strangulation.

Anderson's family described him as "a gentleman with a big heart and an incredible sense of humour. Our hearts will be forever broken".

Senior Investigating Officer Duncan Thorpe said: "David Jack and Paul Anderson had a complex relationship and had clashed before – sadly, this time, there were fatal consequences.

"Immediately following the call we received that night in December, we launched a full and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of Paul's death, securing an arrest and ensuring we left no stone unturned in our search for the truth.

"Paul was well-loved by his family, and I am glad that we have secured justice for them.

"Our thoughts remain with them following this awful case."

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