STEVE GANDER FROM EASTBOURNE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF SAFFRON COLEMAN
| Red Rose Database
Eastbourne Domestic Homicide
Steven Foster Gander, a 26-year-old man residing on Linden Close in Eastbourne, was convicted of the murder of Saffron Coleman, known as Saffra, and was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. The tragic events unfolded on May 21, 2002, when Gander's violent actions culminated in the death of Miss Coleman, a 21-year-old woman from Friday Street, Eastbourne.
According to court proceedings, the motive behind Gander’s deadly assault was rooted in a personal dispute that escalated into a fatal confrontation. The court heard that Gander’s anger was ignited after Miss Coleman told him to cease visiting her. She had recently moved on with a new partner, Jonathan Dickson, and expressed her desire to maintain distance from Gander. This rejection appeared to have provoked Gander’s fury, leading to a horrifying act of violence.
During the incident, Gander armed himself with a claw hammer, which he used to strike Miss Coleman three times. The attack was not only brutal but also indicative of his intent to cause serious harm. Witnesses and evidence presented at trial revealed that Miss Coleman attempted to defend herself during the assault, sustaining multiple injuries, particularly around her neck. Ultimately, her death was caused by strangulation, as Gander wrapped a rope around her neck and applied pressure, after the initial hammer blows.
Tragically, the scene was further compounded by the presence of their 18-month-old daughter, Layla, who was found beside her mother’s body. The court was informed that Gander had separated from Miss Coleman approximately six weeks prior to the murder, but he had visited her shortly after her new boyfriend moved into her residence. The prosecution highlighted that Gander’s actions were premeditated, as he brought both the hammer and the rope with the clear intention of inflicting serious harm.
Following the murder, Gander attempted to take his own life by overdosing on paracetamol. However, he vomited and failed in his suicide attempt. The court heard that Gander had expressed feelings of despair and a desire to die, telling a psychiatrist that he felt unworthy of life. He even remarked that if he were in America, he would have faced execution swiftly for his crimes.
Judge Richard Brown delivered the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Gander’s actions. He stated that the violence not only ended Miss Coleman’s life but also robbed her daughter of her mother and left her family and friends devastated. More than ten members of Miss Coleman’s family attended the court hearing to witness the sentencing, underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such acts of violence are regarded, and Gander’s life sentence ensures he will remain incarcerated for the foreseeable future.
According to court proceedings, the motive behind Gander’s deadly assault was rooted in a personal dispute that escalated into a fatal confrontation. The court heard that Gander’s anger was ignited after Miss Coleman told him to cease visiting her. She had recently moved on with a new partner, Jonathan Dickson, and expressed her desire to maintain distance from Gander. This rejection appeared to have provoked Gander’s fury, leading to a horrifying act of violence.
During the incident, Gander armed himself with a claw hammer, which he used to strike Miss Coleman three times. The attack was not only brutal but also indicative of his intent to cause serious harm. Witnesses and evidence presented at trial revealed that Miss Coleman attempted to defend herself during the assault, sustaining multiple injuries, particularly around her neck. Ultimately, her death was caused by strangulation, as Gander wrapped a rope around her neck and applied pressure, after the initial hammer blows.
Tragically, the scene was further compounded by the presence of their 18-month-old daughter, Layla, who was found beside her mother’s body. The court was informed that Gander had separated from Miss Coleman approximately six weeks prior to the murder, but he had visited her shortly after her new boyfriend moved into her residence. The prosecution highlighted that Gander’s actions were premeditated, as he brought both the hammer and the rope with the clear intention of inflicting serious harm.
Following the murder, Gander attempted to take his own life by overdosing on paracetamol. However, he vomited and failed in his suicide attempt. The court heard that Gander had expressed feelings of despair and a desire to die, telling a psychiatrist that he felt unworthy of life. He even remarked that if he were in America, he would have faced execution swiftly for his crimes.
Judge Richard Brown delivered the sentence, emphasizing the gravity of Gander’s actions. He stated that the violence not only ended Miss Coleman’s life but also robbed her daughter of her mother and left her family and friends devastated. More than ten members of Miss Coleman’s family attended the court hearing to witness the sentencing, underscoring the profound impact of the tragedy. The court’s decision reflects the seriousness with which such acts of violence are regarded, and Gander’s life sentence ensures he will remain incarcerated for the foreseeable future.