Domestic abuse: Partner murder after baby's grave visit

A domestic abuser "brutally murdered" his partner after she had earlier visited the grave of her nine-week-old baby.

Colette Myers suffered a fatal head injury when she returned to her Newcastle flat on the evening of 19 April.

Her partner, James Campbell, was convicted of murder at the city's crown court following a nine-day trial.

He will be sentenced at a date yet to be set.

Ms Myers, 33, had visited the grave to pay her respects to her baby who died in 2007. She then spent the rest of the day with a friend, Northumbria Police said.

Returning to her flat at Denwick Avenue, in the Lemington area of the city, at about 22:30 BST, she suffered what was described by officers as "direct blunt trauma".

Campbell notified a neighbour at 08:00 the following day claiming he had found his partner of 10-years dead after she had gone to bed in good health.

He was arrested and charged with murder after a post-mortem examination confirmed Ms Myers' injuries.

Her family said she was a "much-loved sister, auntie, mother and friend" who would "help anyone even if it meant she would go without".

They added: "Colette was the victim of domestic abuse and her death could have been prevented if she had sought help.

"If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you may be feeling isolated, ashamed and alone.

"Please know you are not alone and you are not to blame. Above all you do not have to suffer in silence. Please seek help."

Speaking after the trial, Det Ch Insp Louise Jenkins said 33-year-old Campbell was given multiple opportunities to admit his guilt but had instead "shown himself to be a cruel and dangerous man who allowed Colette's family to sit through a difficult trial to get the answers they deserve".

"The court heard troubling and distressing details of Campbell's abusive behaviour towards his partner, which ultimately escalated and resulted in her losing her life.

"It is clear Campbell is a violent and abusive man who deserves a lengthy sentence for what he has done."

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