Young Woman Found Guilty of Fatal Stabbing in Bicester
Bailey Heywood, 23, was today convicted of murdering 45-year-old Dale Bond in a deadly stabbing in Bicester earlier this year. The guilty verdict came after a detailed probe by Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit and was handed down at Oxford Crown Court on 13 September 2024.
15 March 2024: Tragic Stabbing in Bicester
- Police were called to Mullein Road at 12:20 PM following a tip-off from a public witness alarmed by the attack.
- Officers found Dale Bond fatally wounded by stab wounds in his own lounge despite emergency efforts from police, paramedics, and Air Ambulance crews.
- Heywood was swiftly arrested nearby, wearing blood-stained clothes, and charged with murder two days later.
Jury Rejects Self-Defence Claim
During the trial, Heywood claimed she acted in self-defence. The jury thoroughly dismissed her story, finding no evidence Dale Bond had attacked her. A Home Office post-mortem confirmed Bond’s death was caused by a fatal stab wound to the chest.
“My thoughts firstly go out to the family and friends of Mr Bond, who have lost a much-loved son, father, brother, uncle, and friend,” said Detective Chief Inspector Will Crowther.
“Dale’s life was taken at the hands of Heywood. The jury completely rejected her claim of self-defence — there is absolutely no evidence Mr Bond attacked her.”
DCI Crowther revealed Heywood and Bond had been in a relationship, and that the attack was “vicious” and unexpected. One blow inflicted an unsurvivable chest wound, causing Dale’s death.
Sentencing Set for Monday
Bailey Heywood will be sentenced on Monday, 16 September, at Oxford Crown Court. The motive for the brutal murder remains unclear, as Heywood has offered no further explanation.
DCI Crowther paid tribute to Bond’s family, praising their support and dignity throughout the investigation and court proceedings, hoping the conviction can bring some closure.
