Man jailed for stabbing and killing partner in Doncaster

Paul Cousans has been sentenced to 19 years in prison

Author: Jaimielee RendallPublished 31st Jan 2024

A man will spend 19 years in prison after stabbing and killing his partner in Doncaster.

Paul Cousans, who's 52 and of Main Street, murdered 53-year-old Kelli Bothwell at their home in August last year, after they had been to a local bar together.

Kelli later rang 999 and while police responded to her address, Cousans stabbed her twice in the back.

After stabbing his partner, Cousans then stabbed himself in the chest and officers found him laying on top of Kelli, still conscious. Kelli never regained consciousness and a post mortem concluded that she died as a result of those stab wounds.

Detective Inspector Dave Robertson, the officer in charge of this case, said "The cold and callous actions of Cousans resulted in the tragic death of Kelli Bothwell. I would like to thank Kelli's family in their support during our investigation. Whereas no sentence will ever bring Kelli back, I hope the sentence Cousans has received today gives some justice to the loss they have had to face."

Kelli's family released a statement:

"She was a beautiful soul who has time for everyone.

"The weekend before her death, my family and I went to the cottage where her and Paul lived, and had a meal with them. This is the last time that we saw her alive.

"As well as me and my sister losing our mum, our children have also lost their Nanny.

"Our mum radiated love and she will be loved by us forever."

Cousans pleaded guilty to murder on 13 November on 2023 at Sheffield Crown Court.

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