THE detective who led the investigation into the murder of Hatfield man Peter McConnell has warned about the danger of knife crime, after the killer was jailed for life.

Richard Clare was yesterday (Wednesday) sentenced to a minimum of 27 years behind bars after being found guilty of murder.

The 38-year-old slit the throat of 43-year-old McConnell – his girlfriend’s ex-lover – bound him in parcel tape and buried him in the garden of his home in Fern Dells, Hatfield.

Detective inspector Tim Redfearn, from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, investigated the case.

He said: “Not only did Richard Clare kill his victim in a brutal attack, he buried his body to try and conceal what happened.

“Our sympathies are with Peter’s family and I hope this verdict will bring some comfort to them.”

Det insp Redfearn thanked all the officers involved for bringing the case to court.

He said: “Richard Clare received a lengthy sentence due to a new piece of legislation which came into force in March 2010 which sets the minimum term for a murder at 25 years.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the dangers of knives.

“If you carry a knife you are more likely to become involved in a violent situation which could end with a prison sentence or getting injured yourself.”