Dad killed son in 'savage murder'

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A drunk father stabbed his baby son to death before killing himself with the same knife, an inquest has heard.

Mokhtar Tamar, known as Richard, 48, of Winchester, Hampshire, attacked his ex-partner Rachel Jones, 40, outside their home before snatching his son.

The court heard how 15-month-old Nathan tried to shield himself from his father, who later killed himself, but he died of stab wounds on 31 August.

Coroner Grahame Short described Nathan's death as a "savage murder".

I miss Nathan so much Rachel Jones

Winchester Coroner's Court heard how Miss Jones had left Tamar, who was taking sleeping pills and anti-depressants, after a 12-year relationship, because he had begun drinking heavily.

She described Tamar as "generous, kind and considerate" and an "excellent father."

But she said when she dropped Nathan off at his father's house in August, she realised he was "moody".

She added that she tried to leave but Algerian-born Tamar started to attack her with a hammer and took Nathan away.

Miss Jones fled to a neighbour's house and called the police.

'Violent and uncontrolled'

Nathan was found on his father's bed with stab wounds to his chest and abdomen, and defensive injuries to his hands.

Tamar was found in the doorway of his first floor flat with stab wounds to his heart.

Grahame Short, central Hampshire coroner, described Nathan's death as a "savage murder".

He said drink was a considerable factor in the deaths and added Tamar had become "violent and uncontrolled".

"He loved his son but there is no doubt Robert Tamar stabbed his son while lying on his bed," he added.

A verdict of unlawful killing was recorded for Nathan's death and a verdict of suicide was recorded for Tamar's death.

Speaking after the inquest Miss Jones said: "I miss Nathan so much. He is still with me in so many ways.

"I hope that this will bring a little extra closure to the horrendous ordeal I have been suffering since my son's tragic death."