October 9, 2019 12.11 pm This story is over 53 months old

Family tribute to dad of three killed in Gainsborough machete attack

A man is due to be sentenced in November

Jordan with fiancee Darcie Mae and their son Frankie Jack. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

The family of a devoted dad of three paid tribute the “life and soul of any party or family gathering”, after he was killed in a machete attack in Gainsborough.

Kieran Walker, 23, was found guilty of the murder of Jordan O’Brien after a trial, which lasted more than two weeks, at Lincoln Crown Court. The trial concluded on Wednesday, October 2 and Walker is due to be sentenced on November 8.

Walker used a machete to attack Jordan with such savagery that he almost completely hacked off his victim’s left leg on Scampton Way in Gainsborough on March 27.

He damaged the other leg so badly that it had to be amputated just above the knee. Jordan, 25, never recovered and died later in hospital on April 1.

Jordan’s family have now released an emotional tribute to the much-loved dad.

Jordan O’Brien, 25, died after an incident on Scampton Way in Gainsborough. Photo: Facebook

The statement said: “Jordan was a much-loved son and was one of eight children. He was a devoted dad to his three children and cherished his Fiancée Darcie Mae. He had such a happy family life ahead of him. He did everything for his family.

“He was the life and soul of any party or family gathering he attended. Jordan loved dancing and loved to show off his moves. His continuous banter kept everyone smiling. He would light up a room.

“Jordan had a beautiful and kind heart. If anyone was ever down or needed anything he was the first person there for you.

“He enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family, whether it was with his partner and boys, or his mum and siblings.

“The loss of Jordan has left us all absolutely heart-broken. He has been taken from us in the cruellest of ways, something we will all struggle to come to terms with every day.

“We as a family witnessed the devastation of that night and some family members have sought professional support to help them come to terms with it. There are no words to describe it.

Jordan O’Brien. Photo: Facebook

“We would like to thank our local community for all of their support; they helped set up a go fund me page while Jordan was in hospital. This meant so much to us as a family and gave us a shed of light in our darkest days. This money later helped my mum with the cost of Jordan’s funeral.

“A local boxing gym has also set up a charity boxing match in memory of Jordan to discourage people from using knives. The campaign was “put down the knives and pick up the gloves”

“As well as much support from the community, we would also like to thank our liaison officer Chris. That man is made of pure gold. He has supported us through it all, even coming to court every day. We are also very grateful to the police for their work which has led to a conviction.

“We as a family now have to try to rebuild our lives without Jordan, but he will never be far from our hearts. He is truly loved by all.”

Kieran Walker, 23, was convicted by a jury of Jordan O’Brien’s murder. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

Police recently put out an appeal to find the driver of a blue BMW found burnt out in the area where the brutal murder took place in Gainsborough.