THE killer of a businessman who helped the homeless in Liverpool was jailed for life yesterday.

Michal Kalinowski, 22, stabbed his 43-year-old landlord Peter Berkley, 83 times at his flat in Skelmersdale on November 6 last year.

Polish migrant Kalinowski was sentenced at Preston Crown Court yesterday and will serve a minimum of 17 years.

Mr Justice Timothy King described it as a “brutal” attack.

Mr Berkley’s family ran Abbeystead North West Limited and owned the flats in Abbeystead, which were mainly rented by eastern Europeans.

Through his involvement in the property business, Mr Berkley, of Aughton, also set up hostels for the homeless in Liverpool.

He visited Kalinowski’s flat on November 6 to collect £400 rent owed.

He was stabbed in the lounge and hallway, and his body hidden in bushes.

Mr Justice King said: “Mr Berkley was a wholly good, decent and generous person.”

His father Peter Berkley said: “Peter will be sadly missed by all the family, as well as the homeless people of Liverpool who he spent so much time helping.

“Our golden light has gone forever.”