CLARKE DEAN SENTENCED TO LIFE FOR MURDER IN SOLIHULL

Clarke Dean, 47 years old, was convicted of murdering his partner, Michelle Giles, after stabbing her at their apartment on Anchor Lane in Solihull on August 8 of the previous year. During the trial at Warwick Crown Court, Dean admitted to the killing but claimed he had no recollection of the incident, citing his alcohol dependency. The jury dismissed his plea of diminished responsibility and found him guilty of murder. Dean was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 15 years. The court described his actions as brutal and premeditated, resulting in the death of a woman who had been his partner for over two decades. Evidence included the discovery of a blood-stained knife in the kitchen sink of their flat. Michelle Giles was remembered as a lively and caring individual, with her daughter expressing profound grief: "My wonderful mother was caring and loving, young and bubbly only to have her life cut short. For the rest of my life I am going to have to live in a world without my mom." Police sources, such as Detective Sergeant Michael Griffiths, emphasized that if Dean had truly loved Michelle, he would not have harmed her in such a way. He stated, "If Dean had truly loved Michelle, he would not have harmed her, especially to the extent of taking her life." This case underscores the tragic consequences of domestic violence and its devastating effects on families and communities.