KENT FATHER SENTENCED FOR STRANGLING DAUGHTER IN HORROR ATTACK
Richard Kray, aged 64, was convicted and sentenced for a gruesome act of violence that took place at Westlands Caravan Park near Herne Bay in Kent on July 21.He killed his 19-year-old daughter Olivia through strangulation inside his caravan, an incident his family described as a 'cowardly and atrocious act.' After the murder, Kray attempted to kill his former partner, Damyantee Cowan, by strangling her and dragging her between rooms in her residence.
She managed to escape and report the incident to the police.
Kray admitted to charges of manslaughter due to diminished responsibility and attempted murder.
The judge at Maidstone Crown Court sentenced him to ten years in prison, which includes time allocated for psychiatric treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kray, who worked in mental health services, explained that he 'lost control' and was 'at his wits' end' with his daughter, who struggled with severe anxiety and mental health problems from the age of 10.
He told police he felt he 'couldn’t let her suffer any longer,' though he acknowledged this was not a justification for his actions.
Additionally, he revealed that in the months before the attacks, he had confided in two people, including his sister, that killing both of them might be easier.
During the court hearing, it was noted that his impaired mental state prevented him from rationally judging his actions.
Olivia Kray's family described her as a 'bright and beautiful young woman,' whose life was tragically ended.
Det Insp Ivan Beasley highlighted that she was killed 'by someone she trusted,' underscoring the profound devastation caused by her father’s violence.
The case was described as very unusual, with the judge indicating difficulties in determining an appropriate sentence given the circumstances.
