Pictured: Son, 32, who 'stabbed his own mother to death' behind pub

A son accused of stabbing his own mother to death behind a pub has been pictured for the first time.

Jamie Dempsey, 32, has been charged with murdering 55-year-old Karen Dempsey, who was found with a stab wound to the chest after an incident outside the Brambles pub in Kirkby, Merseyside on Monday (22 August).

She was rushed to hospital after the incident just after 8pm where she died a short time later.

Jamie Dempsey, of Brechin Road, Kirkby, has been charged with murder and was due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday.

Tributes have poured in for Karen Dempsey, who was described by her family as a "beautiful, vivacious and compassionate woman who always had a smile on her face and lit up a room".

They added: "Her zest for life was infectious and it left others breathless. She loved being surrounded by her family and friends.

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"Karen was dedicated to her work and in helping others she made a real difference to people's lives.

"She was a fantastic advocate for social justice for more than 30 years and her loss will be felt right across Kirkby."

Floral tributes have been placed at the scene, and the 55-year-old's employers also paid tribute to her.

The Women's Organisation, who said she worked as part of the Kirkby Unemployed Centre, said: "Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of Karen Dempsey.

"We worked with Karen while she was part of Kirkby Unemployed Centre where she passionately served her community. Another senseless murder on our city streets. Another innocent life taken. This must stop."

The South West Lancashire Independent Community Centre, in Skelmersdale, who said Dempsey joined their benefit, debt and IT advice charity in 2019, also paid tribute to her, calling her a "women’s champion, life-long activist and advocate for the rights of local people".