Woman jailed after murdering friend in Peterborough
Anne-Marie Burrowes has been sentenced to life imprisonment after confessing to killing Paul Knowles
A woman has been convicted of murdering her friend at his home in Peterborough and leaving his body for four days before eventually confessing to the crime.
Anne-Marie Burrowes, 52, was found guilty of murdering 56-year-old Paul Knowles at Cambridge Crown Court on 18 July. Burrowes killed Knowles on 26 October last year by assaulting him and then forcing a sock down his throat.
Burrowes initially contacted the police on 30 October to report that she had killed a man but did not provide further details. She made another call on 19 November, confessing that she could no longer bear the guilt. During this call, she identified Knowles and provided information on where his body could be found.
Burrowes claimed that the killing was an act of self-defence. However, she was sentenced today, 23 July, to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years.
Detective Inspector Richard Stott from the Beds, Cambs and Herts Major Crime Unit remarked, “This is a horrific and tragic case where a man has lost his life after being violently assaulted and having a sock forced into his throat. Burrowes’ actions showed there was no other intention than to kill him. Our thoughts remain with Paul’s son, family and friends at this difficult time, and we hope this conviction provides some sense of justice for them. I would like to add my thanks to the police major crime investigation team, Crown Prosecution Service and prosecution counsel for their hard work and a great collaborative effort.”
The court was informed that Burrowes and Knowles frequently met at his flat in Farrier’s Court, Woodston, to consume alcohol. On the day of the incident, their meeting escalated into violence, resulting in Knowles’ death.
Following the killing, Burrowes took Knowles’ bank card and used it at a shop. Her initial police report mentioned recurring nightmares, but she did not provide further details. After her second call, officers discovered Knowles' body with significant injuries and a sock obstructing his airway.
Burrowes was arrested the following day at a property on Mountbatten Way, Ravensthorpe. Upon arrest, she commented, “One of them ones where you wish you hadn’t turned up at all, you know, and turn the clocks back sort of thing.”
In her interview, Burrowes provided a prepared statement detailing her and Knowles' history of alcoholism. She claimed that Knowles had become abusive, preventing her from leaving, and that she had acted in self-defence when he attacked her with a bottle. She stated that she did not remember the details of what happened afterwards and believed Knowles was still alive when she left.
A forensic post-mortem examination revealed that Knowles died from airway obstruction caused by the sock, along with facial fractures.
Nathan Naylor, Knowles' son, previously paid tribute to his father, describing him as his “hero” and highlighting his service in the Royal Navy. Naylor said, “My dad was my hero. He spent 22 years and one day in the Royal Navy. He was a loving father, son and brother. Such a pure soul and loved by many. Fair winds and calm seas.”