Jealousy, Rage and Fire: Man Jailed for Life Over Murder of Mother-of-Two
Habib Jackson, 32, from Toddington, was today sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of 29-year-old Louise Rump at her Kensworth home. He will serve a minimum of 23 years before parole can be considered.
Attack Driven By Obsession
Meet and greet turned deadly. Jackson met Louise at her flat before launching a vicious attack. He punched her multiple times, then strangled and smothered her to death. To cover his crime, he set the flat on fire using petrol he had brought with him.
Judge Michael Kay described Jackson’s disturbing mindset: “Your controlling, violent nature and obsession with Louise destroyed her life and shattered her children’s world.” He added that Jackson showed contempt for women, seeing them only as conquests or means to satisfy his twisted desires.
Last Moments and Horror Scene
- On October 16, 2020, Louise dropped her daughter at school and returned home.
- Jackson was caught on CCTV heading to her flat shortly after 11:15am.
- Louise’s body was found just over an hour later by firefighters who attended the blaze.
Relatives expressed their heartbreak. Aunt Jane Hedges said: “Louise was full of life and energy, a real star who brightened any room. Nothing can fill this terrible void.”
Investigation and Police Reaction
Jackson discarded a bloodstained jumper and a cardboard box near the scene, later hiding clothing and one of Louise’s phones at his workplace in Houghton Regis.
Detective Superintendent Rob Hall called the crime “horrifically violent and despicable,” voicing hope that the sentence brings some closure to the devastated family.
Meanwhile, Christopher Hayward, another man charged with murder, was found not guilty after a four-week trial.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dee Perkins stressed the need to tackle obsessive and violent behaviours against women: “We must all stand up and help women and girls feel safe. Calling out misogyny and reporting concerns is vital to stop men like Habib Jackson.”
