KATHLEEN WEBBER AND ANDREW PRIDAY SHOCKING CRIMES IN ABERGAVENNY AND SWANSEA

In a series of disturbing criminal cases that have shocked the communities of Abergavenny and Swansea, two individuals have been brought to justice for heinous acts involving violence and sexual offenses. The proceedings took place at Swansea Crown Court, where the details of their crimes were laid bare, revealing a pattern of brutality and exploitation.

Kathleen Webber, aged 42, originally from Tredillion Lodge in Abergavenny but residing in Penlan, Swansea, was convicted of multiple serious charges. She had previously admitted to killing her ex-husband on Christmas morning three years prior, an act that was the culmination of a tumultuous and violent relationship. Despite her plea of manslaughter, Webber was sentenced to four years in prison. Additionally, she received a penalty of 200 days for breaching her license conditions, was placed on the sex offender register for life, and was disqualified from working with children, reflecting the severity of her crimes.

Webber’s partner, Andrew Priday, was also sentenced during the same court session. He received a lengthy prison term of eight years, with an extended license period of 11 years. Priday was found guilty of targeting two children, with charges including indecent assault, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and possession of pornography. His conviction mandates that he remains on the sex offender register for the rest of his life, underscoring the gravity of his offenses.

The background to Webber’s violent act on Christmas Day 2002 was detailed during the trial. It was reported that Webber, who had endured years of abuse from her partners, took a knife to her ex-husband, Dean Webber, during a heated argument. The incident occurred after a night of drinking, which escalated into violence. According to court records, Webber stabbed Dean in the chest with a large kitchen knife shortly after midnight. Following the attack, she lay on her bed, smoking and washing the knife, as her ex-husband lay dying from his injuries. The court heard that Webber had previously inflicted injuries on Dean, including stabbing him in the mouth and making threats to kill him on multiple occasions.

Patrick Harrington QC, prosecuting, described the events of that night, emphasizing the volatile nature of their relationship. The court was told that Webber and her ex-husband had a stormy relationship, marked by violence and threats. The incident on Christmas Eve 2002 was preceded by a night of heavy drinking, which ultimately led to the fatal stabbing. Webber was arrested on suspicion of murder and subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter, acknowledging her role in the death of Dean Webber.

Judge Douglas Brown, who presided over the case, highlighted Webber’s history of abuse and her difficult life, which contributed to her actions. The court’s findings painted a picture of a woman who had suffered significant trauma and had been involved in a violent and unstable relationship. Her previous violent acts against her ex-husband, including stabbing and threats, underscored the dangerous environment that culminated in the tragic killing on Christmas morning. The case remains a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the importance of intervention and support for victims.