COLIN BAINBRIDGE SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS FOR MURDER OF LAURA KANE IN MURTON, COUNTY DURHAM

In a case that has shocked the community of Murton, County Durham, a man named Colin Bainbridge has been confirmed to serve a minimum of 24 years in prison for the heinous murder of a young girl named Laura Kane. The tragic events unfolded in 1999 when Bainbridge, then 43 years old, committed a crime that would leave a lasting scar on the local community.

According to court records, Bainbridge, who was working as an odd job man at the time, lured nine-year-old Laura Kane from her home in Penshaw. The young girl was abducted and taken to Bainbridge’s residence in Murton, where he subjected her to a brutal assault before ending her life. The details of the crime reveal a disturbing level of violence, with Bainbridge killing Laura and subsequently burying her body beneath the floorboards of his home.

The case was brought before Newcastle Crown Court in June 2000, where Bainbridge was found guilty of murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a concurrent sentence of 15 years for the rape charge. Initially, it was recommended that Bainbridge serve at least 22 years before being eligible for parole or early release on licence. However, in August 2001, the then Home Secretary set a minimum term of 24 years, effectively ensuring that Bainbridge would remain incarcerated for a significant period.

Fast forward to recent proceedings, a review of Bainbridge’s sentence was conducted under the provisions of the 2003 Criminal Justice Act. The review was overseen by Mr. Justice Coulson at London’s High Court. During the hearing, the judge clarified that his role was limited to assessing whether the early release provisions could be activated after a shorter period, rather than imposing a longer sentence.

In his judgment, Mr. Justice Coulson highlighted several aggravating factors that justified the length of Bainbridge’s minimum term. He emphasized the vulnerability of the victim, Laura Kane, who was only nine years old at the time of her assault and murder. The judge also pointed out the extreme physical suffering inflicted upon her before her death, describing it as “clearly extreme.”

Concluding his remarks, Mr. Justice Coulson stated, “I therefore take the view that, under the 2003 act, the 24-year minimum term identified by the Home Secretary was entirely justified.” He further added that if it were within his power, he would have increased the minimum term, underscoring the severity of Bainbridge’s crimes and the need for justice to be served in full.