LEICESTERSHIRE BUILDER GUILTY OF MURDERING EX-PARTNER
A man from Leicestershire who murdered his former partner with a chisel while she was sitting in her car near her workplace has been convicted of murder.Kevin Sainsbury, aged 51 and residing on Hinckley Road in Stoney Stanton, had initially claimed that he only intended to punch Karen Brookes, who was 37 at the time.
The court was informed that Sainsbury had previously been charged with threatening her and had been ordered to keep his distance.
Throughout the nine-day trial, evidence emerged that he could not accept the conclusion of their 15-year relationship in April 2009.
Excerpts from Ms Brookes’ diary were read aloud in court, including an entry describing Sainsbury as "a violent man with the potential to kill himself and me." On 12 November 2009, he approached her as she parked near her workplace in Barwell, forced entry into her car, and stabbed her three times in the chest.
Although Sainsbury admitted to causing the injuries, he argued that he thought he was only striking with the handle of the chisel.
The victim’s family expressed their disappointment, claiming she had been "let down by the justice system" prior to her death and criticized Sainsbury’s previous release from custody.
When the jury delivered their guilty verdict, the courtroom erupted in cheers from some members of the public, while her sister was seen crying uncontrollably.
The court also highlighted that Sainsbury's bail conditions forbade contact with Ms Brookes, although bail is generally granted with a right to appeal under policy.
Sainsbury is scheduled for sentencing on the upcoming Friday.
