BRADFORD MAN JAILED FOR LIFE MURDER OF PREGNANT PARTNER
James Hutchinson, aged 43, received a life sentence after being convicted of killing his pregnant partner, Nicola Woodman, on Christmas Day.He admitted to the assault, which involved multiple injuries, using two knives and a wooden pick-axe handle, resulting in at least 102 external wounds, including over 20 stab wounds.
The court was told he must serve a minimum of 23 years before being eligible for parole, with early release contingent upon the parole board’s judgment of his safety.
On the day of the incident, Hutchinson was on conditional bail for another offence and was under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Prosecutor Jonathan Sharp stated that Hutchinson’s obsession, fueled by an unfounded belief that Nicola had been unfaithful, led him to commit the violent attack.
Nicola’s body was found severely injured at her home, with a pregnancy test kit nearby confirming the unborn child was Hutchinson’s.
He was arrested the next morning, found sleeping in her car, and told officers that her denial of infidelity had enraged him.
The judge described the assault as frenzied and extremely brutal, emphasizing Hutchinson’s obsession and rage, which led to a prolonged and savage attack that Nicola endured as a 'nightmare and a lifetime.' Nicola's family described her death as a 'hammer blow' and said her absence created a 'massive hole' in their lives.
The court also highlighted Hutchinson’s past issues with alcohol and drugs, as well as previous offences committed while on bail.
