PORT TALBOT BOXER JAMES TOBIN JAILED FOR KILLING GIRLFRIEND
A 21-year-old amateur boxer named James Tobin was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of his girlfriend, Kellie Gillard.The incident occurred on April 24, 2015, when Tobin and Miss Gillard had a brief dispute, during which she kicked him and he responded by slapping her.
The blow caused her to fall from the bed and strike her head, resulting in a ruptured artery.
Tobin denied responsibility at first, claiming he had no intention of injuring her.
However, police surveillance revealed a different story; officers had planted a recording device in Tobin’s home and caught him confessing to his father that he had killed her, using phrases like 'put her to sleep.' Prosecutors emphasized Tobin’s past violent convictions and his training as a boxer, underlining the threat he posed.
It was also disclosed during the trial that Miss Gillard was placed on life support and that her organs were donated after her death, saving six lives.
Her mother, Tracey Gillard, spoke publicly of her devastation, saying, 'James Tobin didn’t give her a chance.
I am unable to smile or laugh anymore, all my happiness has disappeared.' Tobin expressed regret in a statement, stating, 'I accept full responsibility for what happened that night and how I behaved afterward.
I am truly sorry for Kellie’s family and all those affected.' The judge recognized Tobin’s violent history and sentenced him to serve an extra four years on license following his release, citing the grave danger he continued to present to society.
