AS the clock ticks towards a sentencing date for the man found guilty of killing much-loved Tilbury man Craig North, Essex Police have spoken about their investigation that led to the conviction and paid tribute to the 'courage and dignity' of Craig's family.

Mr North, 35, described by police as a 'loving and devoted father' died nine days after being found seriously injured, with a stab wound to his chest, in Feenan Highway in Tilbury shortly before 9.45pm on 2 January last year.

In a tribute following his death his family said: "Craig was our hero. He was a loving and devoted father, partner, son, brother, uncle, son in law and friend. 

"He was loved by so many. He will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. You are our warrior."

About two hours after Mr North was found, police received a call from a relative of 20 year-old Darnel Curtin reporting he had stabbed someone.

Officers attended his address in Chesterton Way, Tilbury and arrested him on suspicion of attempted murder. Door bell footage from his home address showed him leaving his property shortly after 9.05pm on his scooter.

He was captured returning at 9.40pm without his scooter but then leaving again seven minutes later in possession of a rucksack.

When he returned at 9.52pm he no longer had the bag.

Officers carried out a search of the area to locate the bag which was found in bushes at the side of a field behind Brennan Road.

Inside were clothes and trainers, and underneath was a large hunting-style knife which had visible blood stains on the blade.

When these were forensically analysed, it was established the knife had Curtin's DNA on it and the blade had Craig's blood on it."

Curtin was initially charged with attempted murder but following Craig's death, that charged was upgraded to one of murder.

He denied the charge but, following a trial at Basildon Crown Court this week was found guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

The jury reached their verdict at Basildon Crown Court today, 20 January, after debating their decision for two days.

Curtin is due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 31 January.

Following the trial, Mr North's parents said: "No result will ever bring back Craig to his family, Craig was our hero. He was a loving and devoted father, partner, son, brother, uncle, son in law and friend.  

"He was loved by so many. He will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. You are our warrior. We will continue to remember him and his heroic actions".

Senior investigating officer temporary Detective Chief Inspector Julie Gowen said: "Craig's death was a needless tragedy which has robbed his family of a much-loved man.

"I want to praise their courage and dignity throughout the investigation and the painful ordeal of a trial.

"No conviction will ever bring Craig back, but I hope this will help them to move forward."