MATTHEW ROBINSON SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR FATAL ASSAULT IN STOKE-ON-TRENT

A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of murder for repeatedly beating a 19-year-old mother to death with a claw hammer.

Matthew John Robinson, aged 21 and of no fixed address, appeared at Stafford Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to the murder. The court ordered that he must serve a minimum of 14 years in prison.

The court was informed that Robinson, who had agreed to pay Samantha Bennett £20 for sex but did not have the money, became involved in an argument with her. During the altercation, Ms. Bennett, a resident of Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, was attacked. She is survived by a seven-month-old son.

According to reports, the incident occurred in an alleyway on Blake Street, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, on 19 March, where Ms. Bennett was found dead from head injuries.

Robinson, who previously lived in Middleport, was found with a claw hammer in his pocket, which he carried using to steal metal, the court heard. It was also revealed that the 21-year-old, who had consumed a large amount of alcohol, took Ms. Bennett’s purse after the assault.

Samantha Bennett’s mother, Angela Bennett, expressed her feelings about the sentence, stating, "Justice has been done, but no life sentence can bring Sam back."

She added, "All he gets is a roof over his head, three meals a day, pocket money, and luxuries at the taxpayers' expense. No family should have to lose a child, especially under such horrific circumstances."