'I loved her' killer says of landlady he knifed to death

A man who viciously murdered his landlady today maintained his innocence and spoke fondly of her to the court.

Norris Simpson, 54, was jailed for life in Supreme Court and must serve a minimum of 23 years before he is eligible for parole.

Simpson stabbed former social worker Ida James 66 times in her Berry Hill Road home and left her to die on September 2, 2011.

Ms James, 66, was found in a pool of blood by another tenant the next morning.

Simpson maintains his innocence and when he was given the opportunity to speak, spoke fondly of Ms James and gave reasons why he shouldn't have been convicted.

“I came to this court looking for truth and justice and some understanding to how the law could allow the prosecution and the police to manipulate this killing.”

Simpson said he refused to accept a deal because he was innocent and feels he was a suspect because of a violent crime he committed against a woman 26 year ago.

He also spoke of his love for the victim.

“In the last six years, I was able to love someone. I met people who trusted me.

“One of those people was Ida James.

“She was one of the few people who knew my life story.

 “Ms James was very good at her job. She said I was her special project.”

Speaking on the trial, Simpson said: “I am stunned by the lack of professionalism in this case.”

Puisne Judge Charles-Etta Simmons then interrupted Simpson and said: “This is your opportunity to tell the court why sentence shouldn't be passed upon you.

“What you seem to be outlining are reasons for the appeal.”

Mrs Simmons allowed Simpson to continue his speech.

The defendant said it was no “coincidence” that Ms James entered his life.

He also said he was convicted on “circumstantial evidence”.

Sentencing Simpson, Mrs Simmons said the murder was “vicious and merciless”.

“She was left on the kitchen floor to bleed to death.

‘To add insult to injury, you implicated a family member and someone else to deflect from yourself.”

In his sentencing submissions, Director of Public Prosecutions Rory Field said the murder was aggravated by the fact that it happened at night while Ms James was home alone.

He also said Ms James gave Simpson “back a normal life” by renting him a room so he wouldn’t have to stay at the Salvation Army.

“It’s a very poor message sent out to society that by helping people in need, you end up being stabbed to death,” he added.

Speaking on the rise in gang murder, Mr Field said: “Stabbing an elderly woman on her own is more morally repugnant than a gang shooting.

“As much as I don’t agree with people shooting each other, at least I understand why that’s happening.”

Mr Field then recommended 24 to 28 years.

Mitigating for his client, Craig Attridge explained the lack of remorse.

“He can’t show remorse for an offence he doesn’t admit he committed.

“He feels for the family of Ms James and the loss to society.”

The court heard Simpson has multiple previous convictions for destroying property, armed robbery, assaults on women, burglary and dishonesty offences dating back to 1978.

He was last released from prison in February 2005 for a road accident.