Family Outraged as Paula Newman’s Killer Dies Early in Jail
The family of Paula Newman, a young woman from Beckenham murdered by her boyfriend Kane Boyce, are left seething after Boyce’s death in prison just six years into a life sentence. Boyce was convicted of the ruthless murder that shocked the local community.
Paula’s Tragic Death and Boyce’s Life Sentence
Paula, just 20 years old, was killed in a violent and controlling relationship. The fatal attack erupted over a dispute involving her Facebook password. In 2015, Boyce was sentenced to life behind bars with a minimum of 20 years for the brutal murder.
Boyce’s vile acts included punching, kicking, and stamping on Paula’s head during the attack in New Addington. Despite his claims that Paula fell from his BMW, the jury at the Old Bailey found him guilty of murder. His history of violence against women came to light, with some victims too terrified to report him.
Family Speaks Out After Boyce’s Prison Death
Paula’s sister-in-law, Lauren, voiced the family’s anger following the news of Boyce’s death. “When we found out Kane was dead, there was so much anger. He hadn’t even done a third of his sentence,” she said. The family feels robbed of full justice for Paula’s tragic loss.
Prison Failures Under Scrutiny
An inquest into Boyce’s death revealed serious failures by prison staff at HMP Lowdham Grange in Nottinghamshire. On his 41st birthday, Boyce was found drinking homemade alcohol, known as ‘hooch,’ but staff ignored warning signs and left him unattended for over 90 minutes. He pressed his cell bell multiple times yet no proper action was taken. Boyce was found unresponsive in the early hours and later pronounced dead.
At the time, the prison was run by private firm Serco, but concerns raised by a coroner called on new operator Sodexo to overhaul safety measures and prevent future tragedies.
Campaign to Stop Domestic Violence Continues
Lauren highlighted the need for wider protection laws, praising Clare’s Law—a scheme that lets police warn partners about a suspected abuser’s history. “This law could save lives,” she said, hoping Paula’s death won’t be in vain.
Paula’s family remember her as beautiful, kind, fun, and caring—a young woman whose life was cruelly cut short by a violent partner. Now, they fight to keep her memory alive and push for stronger safeguards against domestic abuse.
