STEPHEN STREENER FROM NORTHUMBERLAND SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF LOVER JACQUELINE GRANT
| Red Rose Database
Northumberland Domestic Homicide
In a tragic case that has shocked the community of Northumberland, Stephen Streener, aged 49 and a resident of Choppington, was found guilty of the heinous murder of his married lover, Jacqueline Grant, aged 48. The incident took place last November, and the details of the crime reveal a disturbing pattern of violence and attempts to conceal the evidence.
According to court proceedings, Streener strangled Ms Grant to death in their shared home before deliberately setting her body on fire in an effort to destroy any trace of the crime. Despite his vehement denial of involvement, claiming he was out tending to his pigeons at the time, the evidence presented at Newcastle Crown Court painted a different picture. Forensic analysis confirmed that Ms Grant died from strangulation, with a post-mortem report explicitly stating this as the cause of death.
The body of Ms Grant was discovered on a bed that had been set ablaze, with a cord tied around her neck and attached to a bedside cabinet, indicating a calculated attempt to cover up the murder. The court also heard that Streener had physically assaulted Ms Grant prior to her death, leaving her with two black eyes and severe bruising on her face, evidence of a violent confrontation.
Further incriminating evidence emerged during the investigation when it was revealed that Streener had sent a message from his own phone to Ms Grant’s, reading, "Hi babe, just finishing pigeons off then on way for Chinese. Darling, I love you darling. God I love you sweetheart. xxx." This message, sent shortly after the murder, was used to establish his connection to her and his possible emotional state at the time.
Adding to the disturbing nature of the case, witnesses reported that Streener left the house after the murder but then returned while firefighters were still on the scene. His behavior was described as appearing to be in shock, which further raised suspicion among investigators and witnesses alike.
Judge Paul Sloan sentenced Streener to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 18 years before he could be considered for parole. Northumbria Police detective Ian Bentham expressed his relief at the conviction, stating, "The jury has ensured that a dangerous, cunning and calculating individual is going to be taken from the streets for some considerable time," bringing a sense of closure to Ms Grant’s family and the community of Northumberland.
According to court proceedings, Streener strangled Ms Grant to death in their shared home before deliberately setting her body on fire in an effort to destroy any trace of the crime. Despite his vehement denial of involvement, claiming he was out tending to his pigeons at the time, the evidence presented at Newcastle Crown Court painted a different picture. Forensic analysis confirmed that Ms Grant died from strangulation, with a post-mortem report explicitly stating this as the cause of death.
The body of Ms Grant was discovered on a bed that had been set ablaze, with a cord tied around her neck and attached to a bedside cabinet, indicating a calculated attempt to cover up the murder. The court also heard that Streener had physically assaulted Ms Grant prior to her death, leaving her with two black eyes and severe bruising on her face, evidence of a violent confrontation.
Further incriminating evidence emerged during the investigation when it was revealed that Streener had sent a message from his own phone to Ms Grant’s, reading, "Hi babe, just finishing pigeons off then on way for Chinese. Darling, I love you darling. God I love you sweetheart. xxx." This message, sent shortly after the murder, was used to establish his connection to her and his possible emotional state at the time.
Adding to the disturbing nature of the case, witnesses reported that Streener left the house after the murder but then returned while firefighters were still on the scene. His behavior was described as appearing to be in shock, which further raised suspicion among investigators and witnesses alike.
Judge Paul Sloan sentenced Streener to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 18 years before he could be considered for parole. Northumbria Police detective Ian Bentham expressed his relief at the conviction, stating, "The jury has ensured that a dangerous, cunning and calculating individual is going to be taken from the streets for some considerable time," bringing a sense of closure to Ms Grant’s family and the community of Northumberland.