AN EARLEY man has been jailed for life after being found guilty of killing his partner in her own home earlier this year.
Ben Shand will spend at least 20 years in jail for the crime.
The 45-year-old, from Crescent Road, was convicted by unanimous verdict of one count of murder at Reading Crown Court on Friday, December 17.
The court heard that he took the life of his victim, 34-year-old Beth Aspey, at her home in Laud Close on Friday, April 30.
A postmortem revealed that she had died of a blunt force head injury.
Although Shand denied murdering Beth, the court heard how the pair had argued on the day of her death, resulting in Shand violently assaulting her.
He was charged with her murder on Monday, May 3.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Dejan Avramovic, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: “This was a tragic incident, which resulted in a young woman being killed by her partner.
“Beth was killed in her home, where she had a right to feel secure, and was murdered by her partner, around whom she should have felt safe.
“Instead, Shand violently assaulted her, and then tried to cover his tracks by refusing to tell the truth about what had happened.”
DI Avramovic continued: “Even now, Shand has not shown any remorse or taken any responsibility for his actions.
“I am pleased for Beth’s family that justice has been served.
“I know that nothing can ever bring Beth to all those who loved her, but I hope that now her friends and family can begin the difficult process of moving on with their lives.”
If you have been a victim of domestic violence Thames Valley Police encourage you to report it. If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. Alternatively, call 101.
