A BISEXUAL man has been jailed for stabbing his gay lover through the heart in an apparently motiveless murder.

Cross dresser Paul David Hayhurst, who a court was told "led a double life", today pleaded guilty to knifing Alex Toner, 57, in the bathroom of a house on Brynn Street, St Helens in August.

But at no stage of the investigation could he give any explanation as to why he carried out the killing.

The 38-year-old, who lived at the address in the town centre, was given a minimum 12 years by judge Justice Nigel Teale at Liverpool Crown Court.

The court was told that Mr Toner, from Liverpool, was killed on August 11 after a kitchen knife was plunged into his chest at Hayhurst’s home.

Hayhurst phoned the emergency services and initially claimed the fatal wound had been self-inflicted.

But his story later unravelled after a police investigation determined he had waited at least half an hour after Mr Toner had been wounded to diall 999.

The men had met via the television chat and dating station Gay Rabbit in November 2009.

Hayhurst, who had a long-term female partner living in Norwich, admitted to having had a sexual relationship with Mr Toner since thet met.

Detective Ged Seddon, who led the investigation said: “On behalf of Merseyside Police I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Alex's family, who have shown great dignity throughout this investigation. I hope that the conclusion of this case today will bring some closure for them all.

“I would like to thank the investigation team for their commitment and tenacity in preparing this case for court, and the forensic scientists, pathologists and Crown Prosecution Service staff, who have provided specialist support in this investigation.”