MARK SINCLAIR SENTENCED FOR MURDER IN THEALE, BERKSHIRE

Mark Sinclair, 31 years old, was found guilty of murdering his partner Kylie Dembrey at her home in Theale, Berkshire, on September 6 of the previous year. The court was informed that Sinclair strangled the 28-year-old Ms Dembrey after sharing an evening meal, causing her to lose consciousness. Following this, he stabbed her twice—once in the neck and once through the heart—wounds that police determined to be fatal. Sinclair later contacted authorities to confess his involvement.

The court heard that Sinclair and Ms Dembrey had a tumultuous relationship spanning 12 years, during which he was known to be physically and verbally abusive. His pattern of violence included punching, kicking, manhandling, and spitting at her, and she had been subjected to regular incidents of his aggression.

Initially, Sinclair, who has no fixed residence, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. However, after an 11-day trial, he was convicted of murder. Judge Paul Dugdale sentenced him to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 21 years.

The court also described Sinclair as jealous, controlling, and violent, noting five prior convictions involving Ms Dembrey as the victim. The victim’s family expressed their grief and called for others in similar situations to seek help, stating, "Our world will be a quieter, sadder place without her."