In a heart-wrenching case, a nursery worker has been found guilty of murdering her boyfriend during a heated argument.
Bailey Heywood, aged 23, was convicted of killing 45-year-old Dale Bond after a dispute at his home in Oxfordshire on March 13 this year.
Details of the Incident
The altercation escalated when Heywood stabbed Bond twice in the chest.
After the attack, she fled the scene but was later apprehended at a different location in Bicester.
At the time of her arrest, she was discovered wearing clothes stained with blood.
Heywood’s Claims and Trial
During the trial at Oxford Crown Court, Heywood insisted that Bond had become enraged over messages she had received from her ex-boyfriend, Tom.
She testified that Bond had threatened Tom and her, prompting her to grab a knife in fear.
She said she acted in self-defense when Bond stood up with a knife in his hand.
Despite these claims, she was found guilty of murder and manslaughter after a two-week hearing.
Reaction in Court
The jury’s decision was met with shock from Heywood, who gasped upon hearing the verdict, while Bond’s family, including his ex-wife Emma, were visibly emotional.
Judge Ian Pringle announced that Heywood would face life imprisonment, though the exact minimum term will be determined later.
Investigation and Aftermath
The police had been alerted to Bond’s flat on Mullein Road after reports of a serious injury.
They found Bond in his lounge with fatal stab wounds and attempted emergency treatment before ground and air ambulance teams arrived.
Unfortunately, Bond was pronounced dead at the scene.
Heywood was arrested shortly afterward at a nearby address, where she was found with bloodied clothing.
A post-mortem confirmed that Bond died from a stab wound to the chest.
Prosecution and Defense
Prosecutor Jeremy Benson, KC, argued that Heywood’s actions were premeditated, aiming to inflict serious harm.
He contended that Bond had not posed a threat at the time.
Heywood’s defense maintained that she was acting out of fear for her safety.
Ongoing Uncertainty
Detective Chief Inspector Will Crowther of Oxfordshire Police expressed condolences to Bond’s family and noted the persistent uncertainty around Heywood’s motives.
Despite her claims of self-defense, the evidence did not support her account, and she had not provided further clarity on her reasons for the attack.
Looking Forward
Heywood is scheduled to be sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Monday.
The case has left a community in mourning and a family grappling with their loss.
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