London man jailed for grave, sexually-motivated murder after bail controversy

LONDON MAN JAILED FOR GRAVE, SEXUALLY-MOTIVATED MURDER AFTER BAIL CONTROVERSY

Christopher Braithwaite, a 22-year-old man from Shepherd's Bush, west London, was sentenced to life imprisonment after admitting to the murder of Stacey Westbury, 23.

The court heard that Braithwaite had previously been arrested under suspicion of raping a 22-year-old woman eight days before the murder but was released on police bail due to the Crown Prosecution Service stating there was insufficient evidence to press charges.

Scotland Yard publicly expressed disagreement with the CPS decision, citing that the woman was in a distressed state and unable to give a formal statement at the time, yet police believed there was enough grounds to charge Braithwaite.

The murder was described as a 'grave, sexually-motivated murder' and took place in West Kensington.

Braithwaite, addicted to crack cocaine, skunk weed, and steroids, developed a pattern of anger outbursts.

He attacked Westbury, whom he knew slightly from school, in her flat, inflicting injuries through stabbing and strangulation, and left her body in her flat.

The court noted that Braithwaite's actions were driven by sexual gratification, and he also robbed her afterwards.

Judge Stephen Kramer QC sentenced him to a minimum of 30 years, noting the devastating impact on the victim's family.

The case highlighted issues concerning the treatment of defendants with addiction and the legal procedures surrounding bail and evidence gathering.