CHRISTOPHER BOON BRUTALLY MURDERS WIFE AND STEPDAUGHTER IN GLOUCESTER
In a chilling act of violence that shocked the community of Gloucester, Christopher Boon, aged 28, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years for the brutal murders of his wife, Laura Mortimer, aged 31, and her 11-year-old daughter, Ella Dalby.The tragic events unfolded on the evening of May 28, when Boon pleaded guilty at Bristol Crown Court to the heinous killings that took place at their family home on Dexter Way in Gloucester.
According to court reports, Ella Dalby was murdered after she courageously intervened to help her mother, who was being subjected to a sustained and savage attack.
The court heard that Laura Mortimer was being stabbed to death in a violent episode that lasted for an extended period, during which her young daughter stepped in to try and protect her.
Tragically, Ella was also fatally wounded in the process.
The court described the attack as one of “unspeakable savagery,” with Ms Justice May, who delivered the sentence, paying tribute to Ella’s bravery.
She remarked that Ella would have witnessed part of her mother’s attack and attempted to stop her stepfather before he turned his violence onto her.
In her sentencing remarks, Ms Justice May highlighted the brutality of the assault, noting the ferocity with which Boon attacked both victims.
She pointed out that both Laura and Ella suffered severe mental and physical trauma before succumbing to their injuries.
The court was told that after the attack, Boon left the scene and contacted his mother to confess what he had done.
His mother’s partner responded by calling emergency services, and Gloucestershire Police officers arrived at the property within ten minutes of the call.
Medical examinations revealed that Laura Mortimer sustained 18 stab wounds, while Ella Dalby was inflicted with 24 wounds.
Both victims died rapidly from their injuries, underscoring the deadly severity of the attack.
The court also learned that Boon and Laura Mortimer had been married for approximately five years.
Tensions had been escalating in their relationship, especially after Laura discovered that Boon had been unfaithful.
In early 2018, Laura told friends that she intended to divorce Boon, and she had asked him to leave their home within two weeks.
She reportedly expressed her dissatisfaction with his reaction to her decision, indicating that he was unhappy about being asked to leave.
Tributes from family members of Laura Mortimer and Ella Dalby were read out at the conclusion of the trial.
Laura’s mother, Hilary, described her as someone who “lived life to the full” and was “full of fun.” Laura was a dedicated businesswoman, running her own enterprise called Sweet Beginnings, which specialized in bespoke bridal gowns and wedding planning services.
Ella, a student at Barnwood Park Arts College, was passionate about dance and had a bright future ahead of her.
The community mourns the loss of these two beloved individuals, whose lives were tragically cut short in a moment of unimaginable violence.
