DOMESTIC KILLER JAILED FOR LIFE AFTER STABBING PARTNER TO DEATH DURING 999 CALL
Kelli Bothwell, a 53-year-old woman, was murdered by her partner Paul Cousans, aged 52, at their residence in Sprotbrough, near Doncaster, in August 2023.Cousans, who had an established history of domestic violence and had prior police reports against him, carried out a savage attack in which he stabbed her multiple times in the back while she attempted to call emergency services.
Court proceedings revealed that neighbors heard screams originating from the couple’s home shortly after they returned from a visit to a wine bar on August 5.
During the 999 emergency call, which was played in court, Kelli could be heard begging for help and screaming as Cousans inflicted stab wounds on her and then himself in the chest.
A post-mortem concluded there were no defensive injuries on her hands or arms, suggesting she was unable to defend herself.
Emergency responders arrived to find Cousans on top of her, and despite their efforts, she was declared dead at the scene.
It was noted that Cousans had previously been sentenced in 2010 to a community order and ordered to attend anger management after assaulting a former partner.
Witnesses described Cousans as controlling, preventing her from going shopping alone, checking her phone, and regulating her eating habits.
The judge condemned him as a 'truly wicked individual' who subjected her to relentless emotional abuse, controlling behavior, and recurrent violence.
Cousans received a life sentence with a minimum term of 19 years after admitting to murder, and he was noted for causing significant suffering.
