Knife Killer’s Sentence Cut by a Year After Slashing Mum to Death
Tony Curant, 33, who savagely stabbed the mother of his children, Leila Young, in their Penhill Road home, has had his life sentence slashed. Originally handed a minimum of 21 years, the term was cut to 20 by Judge David Aaronberg KC on August 6. The reduction came under the “slip rule,” recognising Curant had not been properly credited for pleading guilty.
Kids Hide in Terror as Mum Is Attacked
The horror unfolded on January 16, when Curant launched a brutal attack while his children cowered in a nearby room. Court heard Leila, a loving and fun mum, was planning to leave the abusive Curant. She described him in texts as “the biggest bully she had ever met” and made clear their relationship was over.
Final Moments: Chilling Voicemail and 999 Call
On the day of the stabbing, Leila left a worried voicemail for her mother, quietly hinting she needed help. She also sent a tearful recording after Curant falsely accused her of cheating. Attempts by her mum to reach her went unanswered.
Around 4pm, Curant dialled 999, calmly reporting Leila was “basically dead” after being stabbed. Paramedics found her in a pool of blood. Despite her critical state, Leila managed to whisper, “Please save me. I can’t feel my body. Tony done it.”
Family Traumatised as Leila Dies a Week Later
The couple’s traumatised children were found in the next room, phones confiscated by their father to stop them calling for help. They tearfully asked officers, “Is mum still alive?” Tragically, Leila succumbed to her injuries a week later on January 23.
Mum’s Heartbreaking Court Statement
Leila’s mother, Caroline Young, expressed her devastation at the hearing: “My beautiful daughter Leila was brutally taken from us all by the father of her children and the man she trusted. The man she tried so hard to help.”
She described Leila as the “life and soul of the family” whose presence brought joy and laughter.
“Our family has been shattered by this senseless act of violence. Joy and laughter have been replaced by tears and grief,” Caroline said, recalling the agony of holding Leila’s hand as she died, her injuries leaving her unrecognisable.
“I am so full of anger I cannot describe. I want to know why you did this to my beautiful daughter. None of this makes any sense to me. I feel I am still living a nightmare but one I can never wake up from.”
Curant Faces Minimum 20 Years Behind Bars
Despite the sentence cut, Curant must serve at least 20 years before parole. If freed, he will remain on licence for life.
