BEXHILL MAN JAILED FOR STRANGLING PARTNER IN EXPLOSION OF ANGER
Ian Paton, aged 36, was found guilty of the murder of Kayleigh Hanks, aged 29, who was discovered dead by strangulation in her flat located in Bexhill.The court was informed that Paton had claimed he had restrained Ms Hanks in her home on 21 July as an act of self-defense, but the evidence presented contradicted this, showing he was responsible for her death.
The case was characterized as an 'explosion of anger,' with the judge noting, 'You strangled Ms Hanks while your baby daughter was in the same room.' Throughout the two-week trial, it was revealed that Paton had a history of violence, which included incidents where he forcibly struck Ms Hanks’s head against a car dashboard and pulled her out of a vehicle by her hair.
Witness testimonies, including those from Paton’s former girlfriend and friends, described their relationship as 'toxic' and marked by violence.
Paton received a sentence of no less than 16 years in prison for manslaughter.
The judge pointed out the damaging nature of their relationship, labeling it 'toxic,' and highlighted prior incidents where Paton had been involved in throat-grabbing episodes with others.
Court records also included testimonies from women who accused him of previous assaults and threats, along with police reports indicating attempts at self-defense that resulted in superficial injuries, which police confirmed were self-inflicted.
The case underscored a pattern of abusive behavior, ending in the fatal act of strangulation, with Paton’s conviction secured through comprehensive investigation and courtroom proceedings.
