Sheffield murderer who killed her partner after alleged drugs row must serve minimum of 18 years behind bars

Kerry Taylor, aged 41, of Ravenscroft Place, Stradbroke, Sheffield, was found guilty by a trial jury at Sheffield Crown Court today, January 22, of murdering her 55-year-old partner Simone Hancock.

Prosecuting barrister Robert Woodcock had told the two-week trial how Ms Hancock was repeatedly stabbed more than ten times at her flat, which was also at Ravenscroft Place.

Taylor had claimed she feared she was about to be attacked by Ms Hancock after a row over crack-cocaine at Ms Hancock’s flat and she claimed she had only stabbed her once and was only responsible for manslaughter.

But a jury found Taylor guilty of murder and Judge Peter Kelson QC sentenced her to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 18 years of custody before she be considered for release on parole.

Judge Kelson said the attack on Ms Hancock was sustained and ferocious and predominantly involved stab wounds to the back and a forceful stab wound to the shoulder that damaged bone.

He told Taylor: “So having regard to all the aggravating and mitigating features in your case, I fix the minimum term which you will serve in custody, before the Parole Board may consider your possible release, at 18 years.”

Taylor, who has previous convictions, told the trial she had gone to Ms Hancock’s flat with crack-cocaine which she claimed the two had shared before Ms Hancock had wanted more.

The defendant claimed Ms Hancock had armed herself with a knife and she feared she was about to be attacked and claimed she had disarmed Miss Hancock and stabbed her once in self-defence.

Taylor had later been seen in the street before she was treated at hospital for an injury to a hand and was arrested, according to Mr Woodcock.

Mr Woodcock said Ms Taylor ran from the flat and she claimed she had been raped but the defendant later claimed she could not remember these details because of drugs, alcohol and shock.

Taylor also claimed she had no recollection of being at hospital or making dereogatory comments about Ms Hancock and she could not remember being in police custody.

Witnesses gave statements during the trial about a number of alleged neighbourhood disturbances and altercations involving Taylor and Ms Hancock.

Simone Hancock’s mother, Patricia Hall, stated Ms Hancock had got involved with drugs after her marriage broke down and she had suffered mental health probems.

Ms Hall also stated Simone Hancock had told her she had been having trouble with Kerry Taylor.

Judge Kelson accepted Taylor had not initially visited Simone with a view to inflicting severe violence but he did not accept Taylor had been provoked or had needed to act in self-defence.

He told Taylor: “I do not know what caused this attack but in the light of all that I have heard I am satisfied that Simone did not attack you as you allege."

The court heard Taylor has served 199 days remanded in custody which will be deducted from her overall sentence.

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