Second Man Charged in Connection with Bexley Woman’s Death
A second man has been charged in connection with the death of a woman in Bexley.
Leila Young, 33, was found injured on Penhill Road just after 4pm on January 16.
She was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but died from her injuries on the evening of January 23.
Tony Curant, 33, of Penhill Road, was arrested on January 20, before she died, and charged with attempted murder.
Now Richard Ray, 33, of St George’s Road in Swanley, has been charged with assisting an offender.
Court documents state that he’s accused of facilitating travel for an offender and concealing evidence, namely three mobile phones, on January 16.
Ray will appear at Woolwich Crown Court next week.
On Monday (February 5) Curant appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Thameside.
Wearing a green t-shirt, he spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.
Prosecutor William Emyln Jones KC told the court that since Curant was charged, Ms Young died.
He said the cause of death was stab wounds to her head and neck.
Mr Emyln Jones indicated that the charges will be changed now that Ms Young has died.
During the short hearing, Judge Philip Katz KC set a provisional trial date for December 2024.
Curant will be asked to enter pleas in April.
Floral tributes at scene of Bexley stabbing (Image: Newsquest)Candles, bouquets of flowers, and handwritten notes were left at the scene of the incident.
One of the notes says: “So heartbreaking. I am so sorry this has happened to you.
“Sleep tight and may you rest in peace.”
Another one read: “Leila you will always be remembered for the loving brilliant mum you are.
“We will never forget you.”
Dramatic Arrest of Fugitive Aristocrat Constance Marten Raises Urgent Questions About Missing Child
Jurors have seen dramatic video of the moment fugitive aristocrat Constance Marten was arrested in the street and asked repeatedly: “Where is your child?”
Constance Marten, 36, and Mark Gordon, 49, had allegedly been living with their newborn baby off grid in a tent on the South Downs while on the run from police.
Last February 27, police finally tracked them down to the Hollingbury area of Brighton after they were spotted by a member of the public.
They declined to say where baby Victoria was and on March 1, her body was found in a Lidl supermarket bag covered in rubbish in a disused shed.
Police Sergeant Robert Button was among the officers who arrested the defendants at 9.35pm last February 27.
Giving evidence, Mr Button said Marten appeared to be wearing “furniture stuffing” for insulation and smelled “unclean and unwashed”.
He said both she and Gordon had a distinctive odour that he associated with homeless people.
The officer’s body-worn video showed the moment they were arrested on suspicion of child neglect.
Mr Button approached Gordon and said: “Hello. Sorry mate, can you stop for a second? Stop alright, I need to speak to you.”
Asked what about, Mr Button said: “Well because potentially I think you may have been in the national news.”
When Gordon denied it, he was asked why he was running away and ordered repeatedly to put the stick he was carrying down.
As the defendant resisted, he was told: “Relax yourself, you are under arrest until I confirm who you are.”
Gordon complained he was hungry and he “wasn’t doing anything”.
A distressed Marten then intervened saying: “Stop with him please, he’s not well.”
She went on: “Oh my god, I can’t watch. Leave him alone. Let him eat his food. He’s starving.”
Another officer later turned to Marten and said: “I’ll level with you, you are under arrest for child neglect.”
Marten replied: “For doing what?”
She was then asked by officers: “Where’s your child? Where’s your child? Sorry, where is your child, we need to know?”
The defendant did not respond.
A dog handler then said: “Tell me now because I’m going to send the dog into the wood to try and find someone so you tell me where it is now.”
A discussion could be heard about carrying out an “open search” before Marten was further arrested for concealment of the birth of a child.
Marten insisted it was “not an arrestable offence”, adding: “You can’t arrest someone for hiding a pregnancy.”
They became front-page news last January when Greater Manchester Police launched a missing persons inquiry after finding a placenta in the couple’s burnt-out car on a motorway near Bolton.
Last February 20, the defendants had been caught on camera trying to break into Hollingbury Golf Course near Brighton, East Sussex, and “rumaging” through a wheelie bin, the court heard.
On the evening of February 27, CCTV captured Marten appearing to attempt to steal food from a shop.
She then withdrew cash from an ATM machine and Gordon bought food in a convenience store.
Resident Dale Cooley spotted Gordon carrying a stick with one foot wrapped in a plastic bag, which he thought was “strange”.
Mr Cooley recognised the couple and checked a story on the local Argus newspaper website to confirm his suspicions.
He described phoning his wife, saying: “I told her it was definitely the couple from the news because the descriptions matched and their behaviour seemed strange as if they were trying to stay hidden.”
He tried to engage them in conversation asking if they were on Stanmer Drive, and Gordon replied “we don’t know” in a gruff Northern accent, the court was told.
In a statement read to court, Mr Cooley said: “Their body language suggested they did not want to be bothered. I spotted a paramedic car and waved them down. I asked them what I should do and they said call 999.”
Mr Cooley, who had gone out in his car to dispose of coffee pots and visit an ATM, alerted police at 9.26pm.
The defendants, of no fixed address, deny the manslaughter of baby Victoria by gross negligence between January 4 and February 27 last year.
They are also charged with perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty and causing or allowing the death of a child.
The Old Bailey trial continues.
Justice Served: Six Men Jailed for Life for the Murder of Michael Jonas in Penge Park
Six men have been jailed for life after they lured a 17-year-old boy to a park in Penge then stabbed him to death.
Michael Jonas, 17, was lured to Betts Park then stabbed to death on November 2, 2017.
After a six year wait for justice, Michael’s killers were jailed today (Tuesday, February 6, 2024).
He had been approached by five of the group as he walked down Anerley Road, before all walking into the park together.
Just three minutes later, all of the defendants were seen fleeing the park on bicycles.
The fatal attack had taken no more than 120 seconds.
Police say none of the group ever admitted responsibility or provided any reason for their actions, however the court heard that they had believed Michael was a ‘snitch’.
Michael Jonas was killed in Betts Park in Penge (Image: Met Police)By early December 2017, all six defendants had been arrested and charged.
But the case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) early the following year.
In October 2022, the CPS agreed to reinstate the original charges and the men were all found guilty of murder in November 2023.
Six men were jailed for life:
• Nyron Jean Baptiste, 22, of Queen Adelaide Road, Penge – life with a minimum of 31 years
• Divon Henry-Campbell, 23, of Fayland Avenue, Streatham – life with a minimum of 18 years
• Jason Smith, 20, of Bow Avenue Lane, Dartford – life with a minimum of 12.5 years
• Jamie Marshall, 22, of Burham Close, Penge – life with a minimum of 13 years
• Ryan Girense Brown, 21, of Sydenham Road, Croydon – life with a minimum of 12 years
• Sarraviho Smith, 23, of Grove Hill Road, Camberwell – life with a minimum of 17 years
Exactly a year after he murdered Michael, Baptiste killed 15-year-old Jay Hughes with a machete outside a chicken shop in Bellingham and yelled “I got one”.
In August 2019 Baptiste was sentenced to life imprisonment and told he must serve a minimum term of 19 years for Jay’s murder.
Victim impact statements written by Michael’s family were read at the Old Bailey on Monday (February 5).
‘Nobody should have to bury their child’
Michael Jonas Senior, Michael’s dad, said: “Listening to the details in court about how my son was brutally killed will stay with me for the rest of my days.”
He said he was on the Number 3 bus in Crystal Palace on his way to meet Michael to put up some furniture when he got a call from his daughter.
She then passed the phone to a police officer, who said: “Mr Jonas, I’m sorry but Michael is no longer with us.”
“I then had to organise my first funeral, which was for my child,” Mr Jonas said. “Nobody should have to bury their child first. It is my death sentence.”
Mr Jonas said: “It has been six years since Michael was murdered, and for some years I never thought I would get justice for my son.”
He told the Old Bailey that during that time he had handed out leaflets and put out appeals to try to get justice.
Mr Jonas thanked a “brave” witness who came forward and revealed how his son had died.
‘Michael was loved by everyone’
Michael’s mum said: “The night the police came to tell me my son had been murdered in the park, I passed out.
“I could not believe this was the same park I had been taking Michael to since he was young, and now he was lying on the floor dead.
“No words can explain the pain and hurt.”
She said: “Not a day goes by when I don’t think about him. I miss him so much.
“Michael was loved by everyone. He was someone who liked to be by himself, he didn’t want anyone to tell him what to do or control him.
“He was a talented young man with goals and morals.
“He was taken from us in the cruellest way and I hope we get justice.”
Michael’s sister said: “I don’t even know where to start. No words can explain how I feel losing my older brother, life is not the same anymore.”
‘They never gave up’
Michael Jonas Senior thanked Detective Constable Becky Pitcher for being by his side throughout the six-year investigation.
He said: “The murder team detectives worked tirelessly to successfully gain these convictions. Even though the case was complicated and lasted more than six years, they never gave up.
“My relationship with the police has not always been easy and even at the beginning of the investigation I was wary and distrustful.
“But from the day Michael died, Becky has been there every step of the way. She has answered our questions, guided us through the court process and most of all reassured us that her team weren’t ever going to give up.
“She has become part of our family and we will never forget everything she has done for us.”
DC Pitcher said: “Michael was just 17 when he was fatally stabbed in a violent, pre-planned attack.
“His family are devastated by his loss but have shown the utmost courage and bravery to keep fighting for justice. They have come to court every day and had to relive what was the most horrendous night of their lives.
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CCTV Footage Shown in Constance Marten Trial Reveals Alleged Petrol Incident
Jurors at the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were shown CCTV footage today, claiming to depict the moment when the couple, accused of manslaughter in the death of their daughter Victoria, filled a water bottle with petrol. The trial, taking place at the Old Bailey in London, continues to shed light on the […]
Tragic Loss of Beloved Mum Leila Young Shocks Bexley Community
A man is accused of killing his partner in Bexley by stabbing her in the head and neck.
Leila Young, 33, was found injured on Penhill Road just after 4pm on January 16.
She was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but died from her injuries on the evening of January 23.
Tony Curant, 33, of Penhill Road, was arrested on 20 January, before she died, and charged with attempted murder.
On Monday (February 5) Curant appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from HMP Thameside.
Wearing a green t-shirt, he spoke to confirm his name and date of birth.
Prosecutor William Emyln Jones KC told the court that since Curant was charged, Ms Young died.
He said the cause of death was stab wounds to her head and neck.
Mr Emyln Jones indicated that the charges will be changed now that Ms Young has died.
During the short hearing, Judge Philip Katz KC set a provisional trial date for December 2024.
Curant will be asked to enter pleas in April.
Candles, bouquets of flowers, and handwritten notes were left at the scene of the incident.
One of the notes says: “So heartbreaking. I am so sorry this has happened to you.
“Sleep tight and may you rest in peace.”
Another one read: “Leila you will always be remembered for the loving brilliant mum you are.
“We will never forget you.”
Woman Arrested in Connection with Alleged Escape of Prisoner Daniel Khalife from HMP Wandsworth
Metropolitan Police detectives have made a significant development in their ongoing investigation into the alleged escape of prisoner Daniel Khalife from HMP Wandsworth last September. A 25-year-old woman was arrested at an address in east London on suspicion of assisting an offender. She was subsequently taken to a London police station and released on bail until late April.
Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees, Head of Operations for the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, leading the investigation, stated, “We continue to carry out a thorough investigation into the full circumstances of the alleged escape of Khalife, and we have now arrested two other people as part of this.”
The latest arrest follows that of a 24-year-old man on January 17, who was also suspected of assisting an offender. Both individuals remain on bail until late April. It’s crucial to note that neither the man nor the woman arrested are affiliated with the staff at HMP Wandsworth.
Daniel Khalife, the central figure in this case, is scheduled to go on trial at the Old Bailey in October 2024. Khalife has pleaded not guilty to charges related to his alleged escape from HMP Wandsworth and is awaiting trial for additional offences, including attempting to elicit information for terrorist activities and placing an article with explosive potential.
Detective Chief Superintendent Rees emphasised the importance of not sharing information that could prejudice future court proceedings, given Khalife’s pending trial. He urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to terrorism, reinforcing the significance of public cooperation in police investigations.
The Metropolitan Police continue to appeal for information, urging anyone with details relevant to the case to come forward. The investigation aims to unravel the full circumstances surrounding Khalife’s alleged escape and the subsequent charges he faces.
© Copyright TSC International News Channel 2024
Taxi Drivers Raise Concerns After Transporting Aristocrat and Partner Accused of Baby’s Manslaughter
Taxi drivers have spoken of their “concerns” after picking up a wealthy aristocrat and her partner while they were on the run with their newborn baby.
Constance Marten, 36, and Mark Gordon, 49, are on trial at the Old Bailey accused of the manslaughter of their daughter Victoria.
It is alleged the couple travelled across England and lived off-grid in a bid to keep the baby after four other children were taken into care.
Jurors have viewed CCTV in which the child was allegedly carried under Marten’s coat, only being briefly glimpsed when the couple stopped in East Ham.
On Wednesday, the jury viewed more CCTV footage of the couple after they reached Whitechapel in east London.
While there, Gordon had bought a two-person tent and camping bedding, including a children’s unicorn sleeping bag, in Argos, the court was told.
The couple allegedly abandoned a buggy and were carrying Argos bags and a Lidl bag-for-life when they got into a black cab shortly after midnight last January 8.
In a statement read to the court, taxi driver Abdirisakh Mohamud said he became “suspicious” and “uncomfortable” during the journey.
The male passenger allegedly asked the driver if he was a Muslim, whether he was “trustworthy” and if there were cameras in the cab.
Mr Mohamud said he told the man there were cameras, even though there were not, because he wanted feel “safe”.
The man then asked him: “Are you sharing this conversation with anyone?” and Mr Mohamud said “no”, jurors heard.
Mr Mohamud said in his statement that he feared “something was not right”.
He asked the couple why they were wearing blue Covid facemasks, and the woman said she was a Muslim and it was her “hijab”, the court heard.
On being told by the driver that it was not a hijab, she allegedly told him it was the only thing she had.
The man said he wore a mask because he “had a problem with his hair”, the witness said.
Mr Mohamud said he decided to drop the couple off early in Green Lanes in Haringey rather than Enfield Tesco Extra where they had asked to go.
He said: “The more I thought about it, the more concerned I felt about the baby.”
Another taxi driver Hasan Guzel described hearing “meowing” noises when he drove the defendants from Haringey to Newhaven in East Sussex early on January 8.
He said in his statement that he had stopped when a woman waved at him and she told him to wait while her “friend” got in.
They initially asked to be taken to Portsmouth then changed the destination to Newhaven, jurors heard.
Mr Guzel said he had charged £475 for a three-hour trip.
Describing the woman, he said: “I thought she had a bag under her coat as she looked quite big in the chest area.”
During the journey, he said: “I heard what sounded like a cat meowing. I was annoyed at first because I thought she had a pet without telling me.
“I could see it was a baby, I could see the noise was coming from a baby.
“I thought why didn’t she tell me about this, it’s been nearly four hours we have been travelling.”
He said that when he dropped them off in Newhaven, he saw it was cold and dark and he was “concerned as to what they were going to do next”.
The court has heard how the couple became front-page news last January when Greater Manchester Police launched a missing persons inquiry after finding a placenta in the couple’s burnt-out car on a motorway near Bolton.
The defendants spent hundreds of pounds on taxis taking them from the North West to Essex, London and the south coast, jurors have heard.
Last February, Marten and Gordon were arrested in East Sussex.
Days later, the body of baby Victoria was found in a Lidl supermarket bag covered in rubbish inside a disused shed.
The defendants, of no fixed address, deny manslaughter by gross negligence of the little girl between January 4 and February 27 last year.
They are also charged with perverting the course of justice, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty and causing or allowing the death of a child.
Constance Marten’s Newborn Seen for the First Time in Jury Footage
Jurors in the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who are accused of causing the death of their newborn baby, Victoria, have been shown the first footage of the child. Victoria’s lifeless body was discovered inside a Lidl ‘bag for life’ after her mother and partner went on the run. Constance Marten, 36, and […]
London Couple Accused in Negligence Manslaughter of Newborn Baby
A harrowing court hearing today revealed that Constance Marten and Mark Gordon’s newborn baby, Victoria, was found without clothes while the couple was on the run, despite freezing winter temperatures. The couple allegedly evaded authorities and travelled extensively across the country following the birth of their child. Constance Marten, 36, and her partner, Mark Gordon, […]
Mourners Pay Tribute to “Loving and Brilliant” Mum-of-Three Leila Young
A mum-of-three who died after a fatal stabbing in Bexley has been described as “loving and brilliant” by mourners.
Leila Young was stabbed to death on Penhill Road just after 4pm on Tuesday, January 16.
Leila was transported to the hospital in critical condition, but she passed away from her injuries on January 23.
At the site of the tragic incident, mourners left candles, floral arrangements, and handwritten notes.
One note expressed deep sorrow, stating, “So heart breaking. I am so sorry this has happened to you. Sleep tight and may you rest in peace.”
Another note paid tribute to Leila, saying, “Leila, you will always be remembered for the loving, brilliant mum you are. We will never forget you.”
Matt Jenkins, a friend to Leila and the family, created a Just Giving page to support Leila’s family and funeral costs with a target of £10,000.
On the page, Matt says the trauma the incident has had and will continue to have on the three babies is “unimaginable”.
The post states: “Leila wasn’t just taken away from us she was taken away from her 3 beautiful children which she loved whole heartedly.
“The trauma this has had and will continue to have on these 3 beautiful babies is unimaginable.
“As a friend to Leila and the family and a parent myself we have to do all that we can to help.
“Whether this helps with funeral costs or putting even the smallest of smiles on some little faces let’s all come together to help and support the family at this awful time.
“So, I’ve set up this Just Giving page for all to do so.
“If we can help, show love and shine light and raise some money in the name of Leila, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a niece, an aunty and a friend then I’m sure this would make all the difference to her children and the people closest to them.”
Tony Curant, 33, of Penhill Road was arrested on January 20 and he was charged with the attempted murder of Leila Young the following day.
He appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court on January 22 where he was remanded in custody.
His next court appearance is scheduled for February 5 at the Old Bailey.
Woman Stabbed in Bexley Murder Identified as Lelia; Tragic Passing Mourned by Community
A woman who tragically lost her life after being stabbed in Bexley has been identified as 33-year-old Lelia, according to local sources. Lelia was found injured in Penhill Road shortly after 4 pm on January 16, which marked the onset of a harrowing ordeal for her and her loved ones. Initially, Lelia was rushed to […]
Bexley Stabbing: Woman Dies, Man Charged with Attempted Murder
A murder investigation has been launched after a woman found with stab injuries in Bexley has died from her injuries. The victim, a 33-year-old woman was found with stab wounds at Penhill Road, Bexley on Tuesday, 16 January.
Two Men Convicted in Fatal Stabbing Following Takeaway Altercation near Nightclub
Two men have been convicted after a man was stabbed to death following an argument at a takeaway near a nightclub.
Trei Daley, 26, of Bromley, was fatally stabbed near Colour Factory in Queen’s Yard, Hackney Wick, on the morning of February 11 in 2023.
Yesterday (January 26) Christopher Appiah-Blay, 35, of Hackney, was found guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey.
Romford-based Mawien Mawien, 38, was found guilty of grievous bodily harm on the same date.
The pair will be sentenced at the Old Bailey at a later date, police added.
Detective Inspector Jim Barry, investigation lead, said: “This is yet another example of the devastation caused by carrying and using a knife.
“Appiah-Blay and a woman had become involved in an argument resulting in him becoming aggressive and throwing food over her.
“Trei and his friends became involved, trying to calm things down.
“Instead, Appiah-Blay and Mawien who had gone out armed with knives and stabbed the pair.
“Trei and his friend were unarmed. We recovered a wealth of CCTV that showed the terrible incident in full,” he added.
RELATED NEWS – Hackney Wick: Colour Factory licence review after stab death
Trei was only 26 when he was fatally stabbed near Colour Factory nightclub (Image: Met Police)
Police had been called at 4.30am on February 11 in 2023 to two people at an east London hospital with stab wounds.
Trei died an hour later, despite the efforts of medics, and a post-mortem found the cause of death to be a stab wound to the chest.
His friend, aged 24, left hospital that day after being stabbed twice in the back.
Homicide detectives found out that Trei was stabbed near Colour Factory nightclub.
He and his friend had been at the club and CCTV showed Trei and Appiah-Blay passing each other that evening.
They left at around 4am and went to a nearby takeaway where Appiah-Blay argued with a woman.
They exchanged insults and pushed and shoved each other.
Appiah-Blay complained she had spat at him and threw a drink at her, some of the contents striking Trei and his friend, and then a burger.
Trei told Appiah-Blay to calm down but tensions grew and a fight soon broke out.
Though CCTV showed Trei had struck the first blow against another man, Appiah-Blay and Mawien instantly produced knives.
The fight moved to an alleyway, where CCTV captured the two parties retreating and advancing as the dynamic shifted.
One of Trei’s friends had struck Appiah-Blay over the head with a bottle.
The fight then burst out back into the road and Mawien stabbed Trei’s friend in the back.
Seconds later Appiah-Blay stabbed Trei twice in the chest.
Trei was helped into a car by a man who had seen what happened and they drove to the hospital.
Tragically Trei could not be saved.
Appiah-Blay went to another hospital for treatment to a hand injury and staff called police but he refused to engage with officers.
He was traced to an address in Edmonton and arrested on suspicion of murder on February 13 in 2023.
When police searched his home, officers found a receipt for the takeaway restaurant where the fight had broken out.
It was dated February 11 in 2023 at 4.04am.
Mawien was arrested on February 23 as he tried to get into a taxi.
Both Appiah-Blay and Mawien were charged with murder soon after their arrest.
“Trei was a loving father, son, brother, cousin and friend to many. His death is, and will continue to be devastating for them all,” Det. Insp. Berry said.
BREAKING: Delay in Naming Met Police Marksman Accused of Chris Kaba’s Murder
The Metropolitan Police marksman involved in the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba, 24, is now scheduled to be named on March 1, ahead of his murder trial, according to recent developments in the case. The officer, who has been identified in court proceedings as NX121, had his identity shielded by reporting restrictions at the beginning […]
Family of Eight-Year-Old Victim Awaits Justice Amid Court Delays
The family of an eight-year-old boy who was killed by a dangerous driver in Plumstead face an anxious wait for justice after court delays.
Nicholas Hopkins, 20, drove his motorbike into little Mustafa Ahmed, his 10-year-old brother and their dad as they crossed the road.
Mustafa was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on Plumstead Road on February 19 last year.
In November, Hopkins pleaded guilty to causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, as well as driving whilst uninsured and possession of class B drugs.
On Friday (January 26) Hopkins was due to be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court.
But Mustafa’s grieving family were informed that the case would have to be adjourned at late notice because the prosecutor was not available.
Hopkins appeared in court via video link, with curly ginger hair and glasses.
Judge Freya Newbery told him: “For really unfortunate reasons the prosecutor has got stuck at the Old Bailey where she’s involved in a very serious sentencing there.
“She was unable to be released to come to this court. As a result she wouldn’t be able to be here until 3pm or 3.30pm, so I do have to put the sentence back to another day.”
Judge Newbery added: “I know that this will be very disappointing for you, Mr Hopkins, but also for your victims who are waiting anxious for the sentence to take place.”
The sentence will instead take place next Friday (February 2).
Nicholas Hopkins (Image: Met Police)Mustafa was on his way to the mosque in Plumstead on the evening of Sunday, February 19 last year.
While he was crossing the road with his family, Hopkins crashed into them on his motorbike.
Mustafa was later pronounced dead at the scene while his dad was left in a coma for two months.
Detective Sergeant Sam Miles, from the Roads and Transport Policing Command, previously said: “Our thoughts remain with Mustafa’s family – who continue to struggle with the events of that day – as well as the officers and paramedics who were first on scene.
“This is truly a tragic case, caused by the defendants reckless and dangerous driving. Mustafa was only eight years old, and had the rest of his life ahead of him.”
Aristocrat and Lover Accused of Negligence in Infant’s Death Amidst Fleeing Authorities
Constance Marten, a 36-year-old aristocrat, and her 49-year-old lover, Mark Gordon, are facing accusations of gross negligence manslaughter as they stand trial at the Old Bailey. The charges stem from the tragic death of their infant, Victoria, who died while the couple was on the run after losing custody of their previous four children. The […]
Jury Sworn In for Trial of Couple Whose Baby’s Remains Were Found in Brighton
A jury consisting of five men and seven women has been sworn in for the trial of a couple facing manslaughter charges over the death of their baby daughter, whose remains were discovered in Brighton. The trial proceedings commenced at the Central Criminal Court, famously known as the Old Bailey, in London on Thursday, January […]
Family of Beckenham Woman Murdered by Boyfriend Feels Cheated After His Death in Prison
The family of a Beckenham woman who was stamped to death by her boyfriend say they feel cheated after he died just six years into a life sentence.
Paula Newman was 20 when her “obsessive and violent” partner Kane Boyce murdered her in a row over her Facebook password.
Boyce, who was 13 years older than Paula, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 20 years in 2015.
It has now been revealed that Boyce died in prison on October 3, 2021, the day after his 41st birthday.
He was found ligatured and unresponsive in his cell but an inquest jury found he did not intentionally take his own life.
A coroner said that multiple failures by prison staff probably contributed to his death.
Paula’s sister-in-law, Lauren, speaking on behalf of the family, told the UKNIP: “When we found out Kane was dead there was so much anger. He hadn’t even done a third of his sentence.”
“Controlling, obsessive and violent”
On November 12, 2013, Boyce murdered Paula by punching her, kicking her and stamping on her head in New Addington.
In 2015 a jury at the Old Bailey were told this was because she had stopped him from reading her online messages.
Boyce later claimed she had fallen out of his BMW but this was described as “a tissue of lies”.
He admitted manslaughter but denied murder, but a jury found him guilty of murder.
Boyce, who lived on Aviemore Close in Beckenham, had been in a relationship with Paula for seven months.
Paula had learning difficulties which made her even more vulnerable, and Boyce was over a decade older than her and a foot taller.
Paula’s family described her as beautiful, kind, fun and caring (Image: Supplied)Lauren said: “I think she thought she’d found her Prince Charming. But all of a sudden it changed from a fairy tale to a nightmare and by that time it was too far to get her out. He had got his claws into her.”
He was described as “controlling, obsessive and violent” during the trial.
The court heard that Boyce had a history of violence towards women, especially his former partners.
Some of this had led to convictions for assault but most of his victims were too scared to take things further with police, the trial had been told.
Lauren said: “After her death we heard from people who said they were scared of Kane. He was a drug dealer and he was violent.
“Anyone who knew him before Paula knew he had been violent towards several previous girlfriends. Unfortunately we didn’t know any of that.”
Since Paula’s death, her family have tried to promote Clare’s Law – a domestic violence disclosure scheme which enables police to disclose an offender’s history of abusive behaviour to their partners.
“Paula wasn’t aware of it and this could save lives in the future. Kane definitely went under the radar with his history of violence and there was a catalogue of events where he beat and controlled women,” Laura said.
“It’s just so heart-breaking that it took Paula’s death for people to finally open up about who Kane really was.
“He was obviously very very good at manipulating and lying to people. The ultimate truth is that he was a monster.”
Kane’s death
When Paula’s family were told about Kane’s death in prison, Lauren said the immediate feeling was of anger.
He was sentenced to life with a minimum of 20 years but died six years into the sentence.
“Paula’s brothers felt like they’d been cheated out of that time. They fought hard to get justice and then he couldn’t even do a third of the time,” she said.
A coroner has raised concerns about Kane’s death after an inquest found that multiple failures by prison staff probably contributed to his death.
Kane Boyce died at HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire (Image: Met Police)On October 2, 2021, he was celebrating his 41st and was drinking prison brewed ‘hooch’ – which is particularly dangerous because the potency of the alcohol cannot be determined.
Staff suspected he was under the influence of alcohol but did not follow the prison’s under the influence policy
He was left unobserved for over an hour and a half while intoxicated and officers ignored him pressing his cell bell to get their attention.
Kane was found unresponsive at 1.49am on October 3 and was pronounced dead shortly after.
An inquest jury found that Kane did not intentionally take his own life and that multiple failures by prison staff probably contributed to his death.
At the time of Kane’s death, HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire was run by Serco, a private company. Serco did not make any admissions of failings in relation to Kane’s death at the inquest.
A coroner expressed concerns about “a number of issues which continue to pose a risk of death to prisoners at the prison in the future.”
A prevention of future deaths report called on the prison’s new private provider, Sodexo, to take action.
