2016: JILTED BOYFRIEND JAILED AFTER STABBING EX
A man who was rejected by his former partner stabbed her and later falsely claimed to a neighbor that he had murdered her.Bolton Crown Court was told that 35-year-old David Haslam had a long-standing acquaintance with Kayleigh Dempsey, but their brief relationship in late March ended after she decided to break it off.
Prosecutor David Clarke explained: “By March 31, it was evident that she had made it clear to the defendant that their relationship was over.” Following her departure from his flat at around 3am, Haslam approached another resident, Kevin Whittaker, with his hands and arms covered in blood.
His residence was also found to be splattered with blood, and he told Mr Whittaker that he had stabbed Ms Dempsey and hidden her body beneath the arches on Union Road.
Police responded to the call but did not believe his claims.
Mr Clarke stated: “It became clear his story was completely fabricated.” The blood on Haslam was his own, and he received a £90 fixed penalty for wasting police time.
However, on April 2, Ms Dempsey was with friend Ronnie Jackson on Crompton Way when Haslam showed up, and they decided to visit a pub together.
Later, after returning to Mr Jackson’s house at 10pm and drinking heavily, Haslam apologized to Ms Dempsey.
Although she refused to continue their relationship, he remained calm.
Subsequently, he went into the kitchen, returned with a knife, and stabbed Ms Dempsey on the buttocks while she sat on the sofa, then spat at her.
The wound measured about 1.5 centimeters and caused heavy bleeding, requiring her to undergo exploratory surgery and stitches at hospital.
In her victim statement, Ms Dempsey expressed being ‘shocked’ by the attack from someone she had known for many years.
Haslam, from Tonge Moor Road in Bolton, initially told police that his ex-girlfriend had stabbed herself but later admitted to the charge of wounding.
He has a history of violence charges.
Defending him, Andrew Costello said, “He recognizes that alcohol and he do not mix well.
He is deeply remorseful for the harm caused to this young woman.” Judge Timothy Stead sentenced Haslam to two years in prison, commenting, “Your record shows you struggle significantly to control yourself when drinking.”
