MAN CONVICTED AND JAILED FOR LIFE FOR STABBING PARTNER TO DEATH IN LEWISHAM
Franklin McLeod, aged 55, carried out multiple stab wounds on his partner of more than a decade, Marlene Coleman, inside her residence in Lewisham, southeast London, on June 17 of the previous year.Despite denying the charge of murder and asserting his love for her, an Old Bailey jury convicted him, resulting in a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years before he can seek parole.
The court case revealed that Ms Coleman had expressed worries about his jealousy and possessiveness and had tried to end their relationship, but McLeod refused to leave that she considered ending their relationship due to his controlling behavior.
The relationship had grown tense, and she had scheduled a solo trip to Jamaica on June 21, 2021.
McLeod discovered voice notes from another man named Kevin Williams, which sparked an argument that led him to attack her with a knife.
During the assault, he aimed a blade at her neck, later discarded the weapon, and left the scene.
He subsequently called emergency services, claiming to have found her bleeding and blaming an unknown intruder, though police found no evidence to support the intruder theory.
Witnesses described him as unhelpful and indifferent after the incident, failing to assist or comfort her as she bled out.
The court heard that Ms Coleman had described him as ‘jealous and possessive,’ and had become unhappy in their relationship, seeking an escape.
The judge stated that she was ‘hardworking and full of personality,’ and her family expressed deep grief over her death in impact statements.
McLeod received a life sentence and is required to serve a minimum of 20 years before being eligible for parole.
