Suffolk murderer given life in prison for killing former girlfriend

Charles Jessop will spend at least the next 30 years behind bars.

Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 16th Jul 2021

A man from Suffolk who stabbed his former girlfriend to death in Newmarket will spend at least the next 30 years in prison.

Charles Jessop, who's 30 and from Bakers Row, was found guilty of murder on Wednesday 9th June.

It's after police were called to reports that a woman had been stabbed in her house in Brickfields Avenue just after 9.30pm on Thursday 16th January 2020.

Emergency services attended by Clare Nash, who was 33, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Charles Jessop was arrested and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre, where he was subsequently charged.

During the trial the court and jury heard how Jessop had bombarded Clare with unwanted telephone contact as their relationship ended, the Prosecution asserted that he became suspicious and jealous regarding Clare Nash's new relationship.

The court heard how Clare had died from multiple stab wounds and strangulation.

Midway through the trial, Charles Jessop pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Senior Investigating Officer DI Matthew Connick said: "Charles Jessop was a violent offender who undertook the premediated murder of Clare Nash.

"I am pleased with the length of sentence as it reflects the cruel nature of his actions. As was the case at conviction our thoughts remain with the family."

Jessop was also sentenced for an assault on a 22 year old male which occurred in November 2019 in Newmarket and that he had had previously pleaded guilty to.

He received an 18 month jail sentence which will run concurrently with the life sentence.

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