THOMAS DALTON FROM KIDSGROVE SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR FATAL STABBING IN STAFFORDSHIRE

Thomas Dalton, a 19-year-old resident of Attwood Street in Kidsgrove, has been convicted of the murder of his former girlfriend, Samantha Laney, also aged 19. The tragic incident took place in February at her father's house located in Clayton, Staffordshire. The court proceedings revealed that Dalton carried out the attack with a knife, resulting in Laney's death from a single, fatal stab wound, as confirmed by post-mortem examinations.

During the trial at Stafford Crown Court, the jury acquitted Dalton of attempting to murder Samantha Laney's father, Steven. Despite this, Dalton was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder, with a minimum term of 21 years before he becomes eligible for parole. The case highlighted the emotional and physical turmoil surrounding the victim, who had recently moved back to her father's residence after leaving a shared flat with Dalton. This move was reportedly a response to their troubled relationship.

Following the attack, Dalton fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by police within an hour of the incident. Staffordshire Police confirmed that Laney's death was a result of a premeditated act, with Detective Inspector Glyn Pattinson describing the crime as 'a premeditated crime.' He further stated, 'What followed was the fatal stabbing of Samantha in front of people who were powerless to stop him,' emphasizing the brutality and the tragic nature of the event. The community in Kidsgrove and the wider Staffordshire area continues to mourn the loss of Samantha Laney, whose life was cut short in a moment of violence that has left many shaken.