DAVID OAKES SENTENCED FOR MURDER IN BRAINTREE

In 2012, David Oakes, a man described by the court as 'domineering,' was convicted of murdering his ex-partner, Christine Chambers, aged 38, and their two-year-old daughter Shania, at their home in Braintree, Essex, in June 2011. The court heard that Oakes subjected Miss Chambers to a degrading assault that lasted several hours before he shot her and their daughter. At Chelmsford Crown Court, he received a whole-life prison sentence, ensuring he will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

The court described Oakes as being intoxicated with alcohol and under the influence of cocaine during the murders. The incident also involved a failed suicide attempt, as he shot himself afterwards. It was revealed that he had broken into the house armed with a double-barrelled shotgun, an axe, and petrol, driven by jealousy and frustration over their separation and limited access to his daughter.

The judge characterized Oakes as a 'bullying and controlling man' who murdered his ex-partner and child because he knew she wished to start a new life free from him. The court strongly condemned his actions, with the prosecutor stating, 'He succeeded in the first part of his ambitions but failed in his attempt on his own life.'

The case gained additional media attention when the victim's other daughter, then aged 10, managed to escape during the attack and later testified about the events. Authorities, including police and independent investigations, are involved, with a report from the Independent Police Complaints Commission expected to be released soon.

David Oakes died in hospital in 2013.