Man Jailed for Brutally Killing Woman and Hid Her Body for Weeks
A man has been handed 12-and-a-half years for manslaughter after killing a woman and living in her flat with her decomposing body concealed for weeks. Kristian Smith, 42, of no fixed address, was found guilty of killing 52-year-old Antoinette Donegan following a grim Old Bailey trial.
Chilling Crime Scene Discovered by Police
Police were called to Antoinette’s flat in Este Road, SW11, on 7 March 2019 after concerns grew that she hadn’t been seen for over a month. Officers broke in through a bedroom window and found her body in advanced decomposition. Blood was splattered around the room, but clothing blocked the bedroom door to hide the stench.
Smith’s Deadly Deception Uncovered
- Smith had been living at the flat since November 2018.
- CCTV and phone records showed Antoinette last alive on 1 February 2019.
- Smith used Antoinette’s bank card multiple times in February, withdrawing cash.
- He removed her phone SIM card and used it in his own device.
- Arrested on 13 March in Battersea, Smith was found with her bank card, SIM, and jewellery.
- Blood traces on his trainers matched Antoinette’s DNA.
Brutal Assault Led to Woman’s Death
The post-mortem revealed multiple head injuries caused by a broken mug and seven fractured ribs, pointing to a violent assault rather than self-defence.
“Antoinette’s generosity in letting Smith stay turned into a horrific betrayal,” said Detective Chief Inspector John Massey. “She was vulnerable and battling addiction. Smith’s attack was brutal, and he coldly continued using her bank card and hid her death. The jury saw through his lies. Now he faces a long prison term.”
