Man jailed for killing mum-of-four in Primrose Hill

A man from north west London has been jailed for murdering his partner.

Mum of four Nicole Hurley was fatally stabbed in Primrose Hill in October 2021 in front of some of her children

42 year old Jason Bell was sentenced to 22 years in jail

Speaking on behalf of Nicole’s family her father, Tom, said: “We’ve all lost a hugely important part of our family, and the thought that none of us will share our lives with Nicole ever again, and that she will miss so much of her children’s lives, deeply saddens us every day. This should never have happened, and it didn’t need to happen.

“I had to bury my daughter, and her children had to attend her funeral. This won’t ever make any sense and we will forever wish that things were different for all of us.

“Domestic violence should have no place in a modern, civilised society. To exert control over another person by taking advantage of their vulnerabilities, and slowly manipulating them behind the false pretence of some twisted idea of love is one of the most despicable, abhorrent behaviours. This brutal, cowardly and vicious crime, mostly but not only perpetrated against women and girls, ought to stop.

“We will make sure that Nicole’s sacrifice wasn’t in vain, we must keep strong and carry on for her children, and we will do that every day, albeit with a heavy heart.”

DCI Eastwood added: “Nicole had been attempting to remove herself from the relationship with Bell. She had been isolated and controlled due to his paranoia.

“It is only right that he spends considerable years of his life in a place where he can no longer hurt the innocent.

“Bell’s defence was that he lost control due to Nicole’s behaviour – a calculated attempt to blame her for his horrendous actions that meant the children have lost their mother, her family has lost a loved one and a community has lost a friend.

“Nicole’s death has had a tremendous impact on her children and wider family. Her local community continue to question why they lost Nicole in such a violent manner. My thoughts are very much with them all as they continue to come to terms with their loss.

“Nothing will bring Nicole back, but I hope that today’s conviction brings the family a sense that justice has been served.”

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