CATHERINE BOTWRIGHT FROM FLOCKTON DIES IN PRISON AFTER EARLY RELEASE DENIED

In May 2025, the tragic death of Catherine Botwright, formerly known as Catherine Hodges, has brought renewed attention to her long and tumultuous history. Catherine, who was serving a prison sentence at New Hall prison, passed away in a hospice on May 18, 2024, after her request for early release on compassionate grounds was ultimately denied by authorities.

Her story is marked by a violent past that culminated in her conviction for murder. In 2011, Catherine was sentenced to a minimum of 24 years after she shot her ex-partner, John Loveday, multiple times at his farm using a rifle. The incident took place approximately five miles from her residence in Norfolk. At the time, she was 49 years old. Police reports described her as a 'very controlling character,' and it was noted that she resorted to 'extreme measures' upon discovering that Mr. Loveday had started a relationship with someone else.

Her incarceration was a result of this violent act, which shocked the local community and drew significant media attention. Over the years, her case became a point of discussion regarding the management of violent offenders and the possibility of early release for those suffering from terminal illnesses.

According to a report from the Prisons Ombudsman, Catherine succumbed to cervical cancer while still in custody. The report detailed concerns raised by her family about missed hospital appointments and delays in processing her application for early release. Despite these issues, her application was resubmitted shortly before her death. The prison authorities had initiated the process of applying for her early release earlier in 2023, but they judged her risk to the community as unmanageable for release at that time.

On April 15, 2024, her application for early release was formally submitted, but it was rejected on May 1, 2024, despite support from prison officials. The prison made efforts to accommodate her health needs, including arranging for her to be temporarily released on license to a hospice. The Ombudsman’s report emphasized that the prison did everything within their capacity, including resubmitting her application and facilitating her temporary release.

Following her death, an inquest was held, which concluded that Catherine Botwright died of natural causes. Her case continues to evoke discussions about the treatment of terminally ill inmates and the justice system’s approach to compassionate release requests, especially for those with a violent past like hers.