Father's sympathy with Geelings

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The father of the teenage killer jailed for stabbing 11-year-old Joe Geeling to death has said his thoughts are with the murdered boy's family.

Joe's body was dumped in a park in Bury, Greater Manchester, on 1 March.

Michael Hamer, then 14, pleaded guilty to murder at the start of his trial at Manchester Crown Court on Monday.

Hamer's father, Philip Brimelow, who works for Greater Manchester Police, said his son had destroyed not only Joe's life but had ruined his own.

Mr Brimelow is a former policeman who still works for the force who investigated the crime.

Joe was last seen making the short walk home from school

He left Michael Hamer's mother while she was still pregnant, and had only occasional contact with their son as he grew up.

In a statement released through Greater Manchester Police, he said his thoughts were with the Geelings.

"I am appalled and horrified by the death of Joe Geeling," he said.

"The lives of two boys have been destroyed and this has impacted indelibly on many people, both young and old.

"But none more than Mr and Mrs Geeling, their young son, and their family and friends. My thoughts are entirely with them."

Hamer was told on Monday that he would serve a minimum of 12 years before being eligible for parole.