READING MAN JAILED FOR LIFE IN BRUTAL PARTNER MURDER
Ben Shand, the individual responsible for causing the death of his partner Beth Aspey, was found guilty of murder after executing a fatal blow with a hammer.During the proceedings at Reading Crown Court, Shand initially denied being at the scene but later altered his account, claiming he attributed her head injuries to her being "clumsy." The court dismissed this explanation, with post-mortem analysis revealing that Ms.
Aspey had been struck repeatedly on the head with a weapon.
He was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years.
The jury convicted him of murder, leading to his imprisonment for life.
At the time of the incident, Shand was residing in Ms.
Aspey's flat on Laud Close while repairs were being carried out at his own house.
During investigations, he stated that he discovered her body in the bathroom the day after they had consumed alcohol together, and in a panic, he pretended to be locked out to justify sending her messages to gain entry, even though he knew she was already dead.
The Crown Prosecution Service highlighted his efforts to conceal the evidence and noted that there was no scientific proof of any other attacker.
Ms.
Aspey was described as "an outgoing, vibrant and creative spirit," and her family expressed deep sorrow, stating, "Words cannot express the depth of our grief at the loss of Beth."
