2009: MURDERING MILKING BANK MAN JAILED FOR LIFE
A resident of Milking Bank, who was left by his wife shortly after their wedding, has been sentenced to life imprisonment today.He was convicted of attacking her with a carving knife and subsequently murdering her new boyfriend.
At Wolverhampton Crown Court, Judge John Warner mandated that David Slater, living in Sudeley Gardens, serve at least 16 years before he can be considered for parole.
He remarked to Slater, “In any view she behaved badly towards you.
You were entitled to feel aggrieved but not do what you did.” The 57-year-old, previously employed as a prison officer, armed himself with a large knife after learning that his 51-year-old wife Alison had started a relationship with Kenneth Westwood shortly following their wedding reception, which had reportedly cost £4,000.
Slater then went to Mr Westwood’s residence on Monument Lane, Sedgley, after threatening to kill both of them.
The prosecutor, David Williams QC, explained that Slater left his wife with multiple stab wounds and her new partner dead outside his home.
Slater, who also works at Cotwall End Nature Reserve and as a part-time security driver, was described as being on a “mission of vengeance.” The judge detailed that Slater stabbed Mr Westwood three times and his wife twice, emphasizing, “I am satisfied the evidence leads me to the inescapable conclusion that you had the knife with you to kill both victims.
You were in a rage and ignored your friend's advice not to go to their house — nothing was going to stop you.” Mr Westwood, depicted as a man of positive character, had done nothing to deserve this fate.
Following the verdict, a spokesman for the Westwood family expressed satisfaction with the jury’s decision, highlighting their grief over the loss of their loved one.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Fennell, in charge of the case, commented, “We believe the sentence reflects the severity of the crime that has devastated the Westwood family.
We are pleased with the outcome despite the difficulties in the investigation.” Detective Chief Inspector Lee Kendrick added, “After a lengthy inquiry, we are glad with the verdict.
Our thoughts are with Mr Westwood’s family, and we hope this provides justice and some closure.” During his trial, Slater testified that he loved his wife and had gone to Mr Westwood’s house seeking to talk and “get some answers.” He denied recalling using the kitchen knife, stating, “I did intend to hurt or stab anyone.
I just wanted Alison to talk to me.” Nevertheless, the jury convicted him of both murder and attempted murder after a nearly four-hour deliberation.
