JASON COOPER JAILED FOR 31 YEARS AFTER BRUTAL STREET MURDER
A 28-year-old man named Jason Liam Cooper has been sentenced to 31 years in prison after fatally stabbing his ex-partner, Laura Jayne Stuart, in the street and then kicking her as she lay dying.The attack took place on Love Lane in Denbigh during the early hours of August 12 last year.
Before assaulting her, Cooper had been engaged in an ongoing pattern of harassment and intimidation towards Miss Stuart, a mother of two.
Judge Mr.
Justice Simon Picken told Cooper that the jury at Mold Crown Court had seen through his falsehoods and recognized that his intent was to kill or eliminate Laura Stuart.
During his trial, Cooper attempted to deny murder by claiming he was suffering from a drink problem that impaired his mental state at the time, but the jury dismissed this defence after just 55 minutes of deliberation, finding him guilty after nine days.
In addition to her murder, Cooper was convicted of stabbing Miss Stuart’s friend, David Roberts, three times as he tried to help her.
Miss Stuart died in a Stoke hospital the following day from severe blood loss, surrounded by her family.
Evidence presented in court indicated Cooper blamed Miss Stuart for issues such as losing his job, financial difficulties, and heavy drinking.
Despite his claims of hardship, records showed he secured a new job soon after the incident, with Miss Stuart having also provided him with financial support.
Prosecutor David Elias QC stated that Cooper’s actions on the night were deliberate, driven by jealousy and hatred that had built up over weeks.
The attack was described as calculated and tragic, with Cooper actively targeting his victims through social media, bullying, stalking, and threats.
Following sentencing, Miss Stuart’s mother, Elizabeth Griffiths, expressed her inability to forgive Cooper and called for support for his family, who are also suffering.
Detectives noted that Cooper showed no remorse, and David Roberts, who survived the assault, regarded himself as fortunate to be alive, describing the experience as unforgettable.
The court highlighted that key evidence, including CCTV footage, proved vital in the case.
The incident received considerable public attention due to its brutal and premeditated nature, and Cooper now faces a minimum of 31 years in prison, with a mandatory life sentence.
His mother appealed for understanding towards his family amid the tragedy.
