West Tanfield Murder - Sentencing Of Robert Byrom - 16 January 2009

Robert Byrom (47), of Main Street, West Tanfield, Ripon, was today (Friday 16 January) sentenced to life imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court for the murder of his partner Rebecca Jane Kowal at West Tanfield on 8 May 2008.

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He will serve a minimum of 15 years and 10 months in prison.

Police were called to the address at 9.58pm that day by the Ambulance Service with a report that a 29-year-old woman had been assaulted and had suffered serious injuries.

Rebecca was pronounced dead at the scene and Byrom was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Following today's sentencing, Rebecca's parents Wendy and Peter Kowal, her "beautiful and bright" eight-year-old daughter Sophie, her brothers Andrew, Mark and Antony, and her sisters-in-laws, issued the following family statement:

"No matter what prison sentence that evil man receives, nothing can compensate for the loss of a bright, intelligent, beautiful and talented girl.

"Grandparents should be enjoying their lives, doing things together, and not having the responsibility of bringing up a special girl who no longer has a mother to desire - all because of the selfish and uncontrolled actions of Byrom.

"There is a big void in the lives of those who cared for and loved Becca.

"Byrom still has his life and his family. His actions have ripped apart the heart of a devoted and loving family."

Wendy and Peter wish to say a big thank-you to North Yorkshire Police and in particular the Family Liaison Officers, Paul and Catherine, for helping them through this torment.

They would also like to thank the "wonderful" support from their family and friends in the village and further afield for helping them cope during this traumatic period.

Detective Superintendent Alan Carey, the senior investigating officer in the case, said: "Rebecca received in excess of 170 injuries that ultimately led to her unnecessary and untimely death.

"The fact that she received such extensive injuries from a man who she believed she could trust is incomprehensible.

"I am pleased that justice has been done and hope that today's verdict can bring some closure for Rebecca's family and they can now move on. Although I know that they will find it difficult to ever come to terms with Rebecca's death, our thoughts remain with them after what has been a distressing and traumatic investigation for everyone involved."

16 January 2009