MANCHESTER MAN JAILED FOR LIFE FOR STRANGLING PARTNER AFTER CALL-OUT MISTAKE
Gary Higgs, aged 44, received a life sentence with a minimum of 15 years behind bars after admitting to the murder of his 41-year-old partner, Joanne Kitchen.
The killing took place in their residence in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, where her body was found in April.
An autopsy confirmed she had been stabbed and strangled.
Higgs explained that he murdered her because she called out another man's name, Chris, during intimacy, but both prosecutors and the lead detective expressed skepticism about his account.
Authorities stated that Higgs fled the scene but was later captured on nearby wasteland shortly after the assault; he had consumed tablets and alcohol at the time.
During the hearing at Manchester Crown Court, Judge Andrew Gilbart highlighted that there was no evidence suggesting Ms.
Kitchen had an affair and added that even if she had, it did not justify Higgs’s violent actions.
Detective Vincent Chadwick confirmed that Higgs attacked Joanne from behind with a kitchen knife, leaving no opportunity for her to defend herself.
The court was informed that Higgs was ordered to serve at least 15 years, and the case had a profound impact on her relatives and friends.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
om behind with a kitchen knife, leaving no opportunity for her to defend herself. The court was informed that Higgs was ordered to serve at least 15 years, and the case had a profound impact on her relatives and friends.
Life or indeterminate sentence
15 years
Gary Higgs, aged 44, received a life sentence with a minimum of 15 years behind bars after admitting to the murder of his 41-year-old partner, Joanne Kitchen
Prison sentence
15 years
The court was informed that Higgs was ordered to serve at least 15 years, and the case had a profound impact on her relatives and friends