TORBJORN KETTLEWELL AND JULIE WASS SENTENCED IN HARTLEPOOL FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF KELLY FRANKLIN

In Hartlepool, 30-year-old Torbjorn Kettlewell was convicted of violently stabbing his ex-partner, Kelly Franklin, aged 29, in the street following the end of their abusive relationship. Kettlewell was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 29 years, with the court describing him as an 'evil monster.' The court heard that he stabbed Ms Franklin over 30 times, after years of controlling and psychologically abusive behavior, which her family highlighted as the reason behind her suffering.

Julie Wass, aged 48, described as Kettlewell's lover and an accomplice, was also convicted. She received an eight-year prison sentence for manslaughter. During the trial at Teesside Crown Court, jurors unanimously found both Kettlewell and Wass guilty of the killing on August 3. Ms Franklin’s family expressed their grief, with her sister Stacy stating, 'You were meant to have loved her, we will never forgive you.'

The court heard that just months before her death, Ms Franklin had taken steps to escape the abusive relationship, which ultimately contributed to her tragic murder. The judge remarked that her determination to break free was a key factor, stating, 'it was her success and determination in breaking free, and staying free, that led to her brutal murder on the streets of Hartlepool.'

Testimony revealed that Kettlewell was characterized as an 'utterly self-centered narcissist,' who had exerted coercive and abusive control over her and their three children during their relationship, which ended in January 2018. The killing was motivated by his persistent efforts to force her back into the relationship, including bombarding her with messages and confronting her publicly after Wass drove him to the scene.

Wass's involvement included driving Kettlewell to locate Ms Franklin and returning afterward, attempting to cover her role in the incident. Prosecutors condemned Kettlewell's narcissism and abusive history in their sentencing remarks, emphasizing that his actions were the tragic culmination of years of psychological abuse and coercion, which made her final months a desperate bid for independence.

Both individuals received lengthy prison sentences for their roles in this violent episode that ultimately resulted in Kelly Franklin's death.