Ashford man jailed for killing partner in domestic violence case

ASHFORD MAN JAILED FOR KILLING PARTNER IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE

A 42-year-old man who admitted killing his partner in Ashford has been jailed for six years.

Susie Smith, also known as Susie Beaney, was found attacked in an alleyway in April of the previous year.

She later died in hospital due to her injuries.

Steven Brooker, residing at Godfrey Walk, Ashford, was not convicted of murder but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Kent Police confirmed that Ms.

Smith had suffered domestic abuse at the hands of Brooker.

Witnesses reported hearing Brooker swearing at Ms.

Smith, his partner of three years, before the attack.

Brooker was tried at Maidstone Crown Court, where he was cleared of murder on November 24 but was sentenced to six years for manslaughter on Thursday.

During the trial, the Crown Prosecution Service did not accept Brooker's plea to manslaughter, but the jury ultimately found him not guilty of murder.

The case highlighted that Ms.

Smith endured a violent relationship, which culminated in her death.

Det Chief Insp Lee Whitehead stated, "Susie Smith endured a violent relationship, which ultimately resulted in her death." Ms.

Smith had six children and 18 grandchildren.

Her daughter, Emily Rubin, expressed her grief, saying, "To me she was my very best friend as well as being my mum.

My life will never be the same without her here with me."