Sheffield woman is found guilty of murdering neighbour after an alleged row over drugs

Sheffield Crown Court heard during a trial how Kerry Taylor, aged 41, of Ravenscroft Place, Stradbroke, Sheffield, had denied murdering Simone Hancock who suffered multiple stab wounds on July 4.

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.

However, a jury, today, Friday, January 22, found Taylor guilty of murder and the defendant is due to be sentenced later this afternoon.

The defendant told the hearing she had gone to Ms Hancock’s flat, also at Ravenscroft Place, with crack-cocaine which they shared but she kept some back and claimed Ms Hancock had wanted more.

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

The defendant had later been seen in the street before she was treated at hospital for an injury to her left hand and was arrested, according to prosecuting barrister Robert Woodcock.

Mr Woodcock said Ms Taylor ran from the flat and he added that she claimed she had been raped but the defendant said 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 derogatory comments about Ms Hancock and she could not remember being with a police custody officer.

Mr Woodcock said Ms Hancock suffered more than ten stab wounds.

Witnesses also gave statements during the trial about a number of alleged neighbourhood disturbances and altercations involving Ms Taylor and Ms Hancock prior to July 4.

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 problems.

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

Judge Peter Kelson was due to sentence Taylor later on Friday, January 22.

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