BLACKPOOL MAN GETS LIFE FOR FRENZIED STABBING OF PARTNER
Donald Sidney Payne was convicted of murdering Simone Ambler in a frenzied, drug-fuelled attack in Blackpool.The 62-year-old stabbed Simone 70 times during an argument on March 29 last year in Dinsmore Avenue.
Although Payne pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility, he was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 12 years by Judge Simon Medland QC.
The court was told Payne was suffering psychosis caused by his drug and alcohol misuse, and he had signs of early onset dementia.
His defence highlighted his troubled background, including a history of violence and substance abuse, starting with a prison sentence in 1991 for GBH and prolonged drug dependency.
During the incident, Payne called 999 after the attack, claiming he had stabbed Simone 'a couple of times'.
When police arrived, they found Simone fatally wounded and Payne covered in blood, sitting in an armchair with the murder weapon nearby.
A forensic assessment confirmed he was suffering psychosis at the time.
Simone’s daughter, Lauren Turner, expressed her grief, saying she had hoped to reconnect with her mother, but was robbed of that chance.
Payne’s behaviour was heavily affected by his mental health deterioration, involving hallucinations and delusions about being poisoned.
The judge emphasized the high responsibility due to his use of psychoactive drugs and the weapon used in the killing.
Although he is currently receiving mental health treatment, there is concern he may relapse into drug abuse in the community.
