UKNIP247 
A man who assisted his friend in evading capture after a violent murder in Bexley is set to be sentenced this week.
On Friday, August 2, Tony Curant was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years for the murder of his partner, Leila Young, at their home on Penhill Road in January. Curant brutally stabbed the mother of his children 57 times as their terrified kids hid in the room next door.
Immediately after the murder, Curant called his friend, Richard Ray, and told him, “I’ve just killed my missus.” Ray then picked Curant up and drove him to a brothel in Dartford, where Curant hid for several days.
Ray, who admitted to perverting the course of justice, is due to be sentenced later this week.
‘Biggest Bully’
During the trial at Wood Green Crown Court, prosecutor Louise Oakley revealed that 33-year-old Leila had described Curant as “the biggest bully she had ever met” and had intended to end their relationship. In December 2023, Leila accused Curant of raping her and beating her up in front of their children, indicating she was in the “depths of despair.”
On January 17, at around 4pm, Curant called 999 and reported that Leila had been stabbed and was “basically dead.” When emergency services arrived, they found Leila in a pool of blood in their bedroom. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Leila succumbed to her injuries a week later, on January 23.
‘I’ve Killed My Missus’
As emergency services arrived, Curant fled and contacted Ray. Ray later claimed he didn’t believe Curant and thought he was “off his f***ing nut.” Nonetheless, Ray picked up Curant, stopped at a Tesco for cigarettes and alcohol, drove past the crime scene on Penhill Road, and then dropped Curant off in Dartford.
During this time, Ray texted another friend, asking if Curant could stay at his house and sent a screenshot of a news article about the stabbing. The friend declined, and Curant was instead housed in a brothel until his arrest on January 20. Ray also picked up drugs for Curant during this period.
When Ray was arrested, he told police he had considered telling them what was happening but was too scared and instead went to KFC.
Family’s Heartbreak
In a victim impact statement, Leila’s mother, Caroline Young, expressed her heartbreak and anger. She described Leila as her best friend and the life and soul of their family, saying that their family has been shattered by the senseless act of violence. Caroline held her daughter’s hand as she died in the hospital and expressed her deep anger and confusion over why Curant committed the murder.
Sentencing
Judge Aaronberg described the circumstances of the murder as “utterly horrific.” He noted that Curant had a history of violence and drug abuse, and acted with extreme ferocity, knowing his children were nearby.
“She must have been completely terrified. You used a knife ferociously, repeatedly stabbing her. You did this knowing your children were close by. They were traumatised by your conduct,” Judge Aaronberg said, sentencing Curant to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years.
Ray, 34, from Swanley, who pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, is scheduled to be sentenced later this week.
