OFFENDER MARCUS OSBOURNE FACES LIFE SENTENCE FOR MURDERS AND RAPE
A 35-year-old man has been charged with the murders of his former girlfriend, Katie Louise Higton, aged 27, and her new partner, Steven Harnett, in what authorities describe as a carefully planned execution.Marcus Osbourne, of Harpe Inge, Dalton, appeared before Leeds Crown Court on July 6, where he entered guilty pleas on four counts, including the murders.
The court heard Osbourne inflicted multiple injuries on both victims over a span of several hours, indicating the attacks were premeditated.
The judge told the court that the murders were carried out in a planned manner and that Osbourne would almost certainly be sentenced to life imprisonment, with the judge set to decide in October the minimum term he must serve before being eligible for parole.
Evidence revealed that Katie was trying to distance herself from Osbourne, sharing a Snapchat selfie only hours before her death.
Hours later, she was found dead at her home alongside Steven by emergency services who called the police.
Witness testimonies detailed Osbourne’s violent and threatening behavior towards Katie, including incidents where he had broken her arm and warned she would be killed or she would kill herself if she left him.
Osbourne had been detained just days before the killings after Katie had expressed fears for her safety, though he was released on the Sunday prior to the murders.
The case was also referred to the police watchdog due to previous police interactions with both victims and Osbourne.
Osbourne has admitted to the murders as well as the sexual assault of another woman.
The court will decide on the specific minimum period Osbourne must serve before eligibility for parole during sentencing in October.
