Life sentence for woman who murdered her partner in Hartcliffe
Sonja Blenkiron was convicted of murdering Paul Wagland, 52, at her Harctliffe flat by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on Friday (11 August)
Last updated 14th Aug 2023
A woman from Bristol has been jailed for life for the murder of her partner.
On Friday, the jury at Bristol Crown Court found 41-year-old Sonja Blenkiron guilty following the incident, which happened in the early morning of January 30 this year at her flat in Hartcliffe.
52-year-old Paul Wagland died during the incident, which Blenkiron admitted, but claimed she was acting in 'self-defence'.
Following her sentencing, police said she 'clearly had no respect for the man she claimed to love'.
Judge Blair, sentencing, said Blenkiron will serve a mandatory life term with a minimum of 15 years before she can be considered for parole.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Almond, the senior investigating officer, said: “During the trial, jurors were played a recording of the 999 call Blenkiron made after attacking her partner.
“For someone who claimed she acted out of necessity she showed a remarkable lack of empathy, dismissing the call handler’s requests she provide Mr Wagland with first aid.
“Footage from officers body worn cameras when she was arrested appeared to show Blenkiron was more concerned with ensuring she had shoes to wear when taken into custody.
“Blenkiron clearly had no respect for the man she claimed to love and who’s life she had just taken.”
In a statement, Mr Wagland’s family said: “As a family, this year, has been the hardest and most traumatic time of our lives.
“We will never be able to put into words the loss of someone as special as Wags and what he meant to each and every one of us.
“We would like to thank Avon and Somerset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service who have worked tirelessly to ensure we got justice for Wags.
“Without the love and support of our family, friends and our police family liaison officers, we would not have got through this difficult time.
“We do not want the tragic circumstances of which he died to be how he is remembered.
“Wags will live on and always be remembered for the loving, caring and charismatic son, dad, brother, husband, grandad and friend he was.”
Read more: Woman convicted of murdering her partner in Hartcliffe