Life will never be the same, says Wolverhampton murder victim's daughter
The devastated daughter of a man stabbed to death has told how her life will never be the same, as his killer was told she must serve at least 17 years behind bars.
Caroline Loweth was described as 'manipulative and devious' as she was jailed for the murder of partner John Fletcher, who she stabbed through the heart.
Mr Fletcher, 53, had covered up at least four other knife attacks on him by 49-year-old Loweth, telling police that the injuries were self inflicted while admitting the terrible truth to family and friends.
Investigators believe the lethal attack was triggered by the victim breaking the frame of a picture she particularly liked at the city centre flat she rented in Market Square, Wolverhampton.
See also: Wolverhampton mother jailed for 17 years for flat murder
Victim was stabbed in the heart, court told
Wolverhampton murder accused had knifed partner before
Miss Fletcher told the court how the killing had devastated her.
The 23-year-old said: "There are no words to describe how I feel. Devastation is an under statement.
"I do not think I will get a decent night's sleep until this is over and justice is served. I have been at breaking point a few times.
"My life will never go back to normal. This is something that will never leave my mind. Who will walk me down the isle? Who will be grandad to my children in future?
"I only had one dad and I did not even get a chance to say I loved him. I will never be able to forgive and forget what happened."
Caroline Loweth turned killer during the last of the many drunken rows that had punctuated her near four year relationship with Mr Fletcher.
Police found a dozen cans of lager and two 1.8-litre bottles of champagne perry - all empty - in the bin along with the carefully tied up vegetable peelings that had been prepared long before the fatal stabbing.
Loweth had made a harrowing 999 call as the victim bled to death in front of her, claiming he had accidentally stabbed himself in the chest while peeling vegetables.
Home Office pathologist Dr Olaf Biedrzycki told the jury during the three week trial that her explanation was impossible since the near 13 centimetre deep fatal wound could only have been caused by a 'stabbing motion.'
The jury took 10 hours 45 minutes to unanimously convict Loweth of murder yesterday after which Judge John Warner jailed her for life and ordered she must serve at least 17 years before being considered for possible release.
He told her: "I am satisfied from the evidence that you had stabbed him on four previous occasions between 2010 and 2012. You and he were frequently under the influence of alcohol and he had been convicted of assaulting you.
"But the true balance of power in this relationship was one way. The abusing, berating and belligerent way neighbours heard you behaving towards Mr Fletcher spoke volumes.
"Despite your tears you are, in my judgement, a very hard person. You were manipulative and devious while he was emotionally under your thumb.
"Whatever it was that made you plunge that knife into him, both he and you had been lucky your actions were not fatal in the past. I cannot be satisfied that you intended to kill him on this occasion although you meant to do really serious harm."
