LEICESTER MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDERING PARTNER
Richard Basson, aged 45, was found guilty of killing his partner, Carrie Slater, after shooting her during a dispute at their residence in Long Clawson, Leicestershire.The court proceedings revealed that Basson, who struggled with heroin addiction, fired twice at Ms.
Slater with an illegally possessed semi-automatic pistol he was caring for on behalf of an associate.
The initial shot missed, prompting her to duck, but the second hit her in the head, causing severe brain damage that resulted in her death two days later.
Basson denied the charge of murder, suggesting instead that she had been injured by herself using a pool cue.
However, he was convicted after a trial held at Leicester Crown Court.
Judge Martin Spencer characterized Basson as having fabricated a 'web of lies' to conceal his involvement, noting his coercive and controlling behavior throughout their relationship, which started in 2017.
The court also highlighted that Basson attempted to hide his crime by retrieving a bullet lodged in a wall, as well as hiding the gun and the bullet in the garden of their bungalow, while wiping surfaces to avoid evidence.
He was sentenced to serve at least 32 years in prison.
The judge underlined that Basson displayed no remorse and showed no concern for Ms.
Slater, who her family described as a 'fun, loving, young lady.' Additionally, evidence presented showed that Basson had previously admitted to illegally possessing a firearm, resulting in a six-year sentence, plus 30 months for ammunition possession, to be served concurrently.
Detective Inspector Emma Matts expressed her sympathies to Carrie's family, noting that only Basson knew his true motives—he claimed to love her but never fully explained his reasons for the violent act.
