EMMA-JAYNE MAGSON FROM LEICESTER SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDERING BOYFRIEND JAMES KNIGHT

Emma-Jayne Magson, a 23-year-old woman residing on Sylvan Road in Leicester, has been convicted of the brutal murder of her boyfriend, James Knight, aged 26. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of 27 March, leaving the local community in shock and mourning.

During a three-week trial at Leicester Crown Court, the court heard harrowing details of the events that led to Mr. Knight’s death. It was revealed that Magson, under the influence of alcohol, engaged in what was described as a 'drunken row' with her partner. The altercation escalated when Magson stabbed Mr. Knight in the chest with a steak knife, a weapon that would ultimately be the cause of his fatal injury.

Following her conviction, Judge Nicholas Dean QC sentenced Magson to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of at least 17 years before she could be considered for parole. The judge described her actions as 'inexplicable,' emphasizing the brutality and senselessness of the crime.

Evidence presented during the trial included a recording of a 999 emergency call made by Magson shortly after the attack. In the recording, she claimed that Mr. Knight had collapsed, but notably did not mention that she had used a knife. During the call, she responded dismissively when told that an ambulance might be delayed, stating, 'No, that's fine, don't worry about it.' Magson chose not to give evidence in her defense and maintained that she acted in self-defense, although she did not testify in court.

The court also heard from Kevin Knight, the victim’s brother, who recounted helping to carry Mr. Knight’s body inside their home, unaware at the time of the fatal injury inflicted. A statement read on behalf of Mr. Knight’s daughters, Ruby and Evie, expressed their profound grief and confusion, questioning why their father was taken from them and highlighting the devastating impact on their young lives.

Prosecutor Michael Evans QC described Magson’s behavior on that night as ‘drunk, cold, brutal, manipulative, calculating, volatile, determined, and vicious,’ painting a picture of a woman who showed no remorse. The victim’s family shared their pain publicly, with his mother tearfully asking, ‘My five-year-old was asking why has Daddy been stolen? and how will he know it’s my birthday?’ The court noted her actions, including the disposal of the murder weapon, as indicative of her lack of remorse and further weighed into the severity of her sentence.

Ultimately, the sentence reflects the gravity of the crime and the profound, lasting impact on the family of James Knight, as the community continues to grapple with the tragic loss in Leicester.