Harlow: Man Jailed For Killing Pregnant Girlfriend
A 24-year-old man found guilty of murdering his heavily pregnant ex-girlfriend and causing the death of their baby girl has been jailed for a minimum of 27 years.
Tony McLernon of North Grove, Harlow, was found guilty of both charges following a trial lasting just over two weeks at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The court heard how he lured 20-year-old Eystna Blunnie to Howard Way in Harlow and then beat her, leaving her for dead in the middle of the road.
Both Eystna and the baby girl she was due to give birth to days later died in hospital.
McLernon had concocted a story that two men had been responsible for killing Eystna and he was unable to do anything to help her.
They jury took two hours to see through this defence and find him guilty of both murder and child destruction.
He was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
DCI Lucy Robinson, senior investigating officer, said: "On June 26, 2012, Eystna Blunnie was within days of giving birth and was looking forward to the imminent arrival of her baby daughter.
"She made arrangements to meet with Tony McLernon, her ex-partner and the father of her child, as she was desperate for him to be involved in the baby’s life.
"In the early hours of June 27, having met with McLernon, he severely beat Eystna and left her for dead in the street. His actions not only resulted in her death but also the death of their unborn baby girl.
"McLernon the sought to cover his tracks and concocted a web of lies to account for where he had been that evening and his knowledge of the murder. Throughout the thorough police investigation he has not sought to explain his actions, nor has he admitted his guilt or shown any remorse.
"He has deprived a family of the special time had with a new mother and baby, Eystna’s parents of their grandchild and Eystna the chance to be a mother to the baby she was so looking forward to having.
"Tony McLernon is a dangerous, violent man. He has subjected numerous ex-girlfriends to constant fear of being assaulted, and Eystna paid the ultimate price during his final violent outburst. What he has taken away from the Blunnie family can never be replaced, but I hope he never has the opportunity to put another family through the pain they continue to suffer.”
Eystna Blunnie's family released the following statement following the verdict: "In June of 2012 our family was shattered by the death of a loving daughter, Eystna, and her unborn child, Rose. The worst part was to find out that their deaths were such a brutal murder.
"However today justice has prevailed for our daughter and granddaughter with the conviction of their killer. We would like to thank the Essex Police teams and the legal teams who have worked so hard to make this happen and for all the support that they have given us throughout this tragic time.
"We would also like to thank the family and friends who have supported us throughout and all the people who helped Eystna after she was beaten and left for dead by Tony McLernon.
"We would like now to be left with our family to try and rebuild our lives and remember Eystna and Rose in our hearts and minds.”
The court heard how he lured 20-year-old Eystna Blunnie to Howard Way in Harlow and then beat her, leaving her for dead in the middle of the road.
Both Eystna and the baby girl she was due to give birth to days later died in hospital.
McLernon had concocted a story that two men had been responsible for killing Eystna and he was unable to do anything to help her.
They jury took two hours to see through this defence and find him guilty of both murder and child destruction.
He was sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
DCI Lucy Robinson, senior investigating officer, said: "On June 26, 2012, Eystna Blunnie was within days of giving birth and was looking forward to the imminent arrival of her baby daughter.
"She made arrangements to meet with Tony McLernon, her ex-partner and the father of her child, as she was desperate for him to be involved in the baby’s life.
"In the early hours of June 27, having met with McLernon, he severely beat Eystna and left her for dead in the street. His actions not only resulted in her death but also the death of their unborn baby girl.
"McLernon the sought to cover his tracks and concocted a web of lies to account for where he had been that evening and his knowledge of the murder. Throughout the thorough police investigation he has not sought to explain his actions, nor has he admitted his guilt or shown any remorse.
"He has deprived a family of the special time had with a new mother and baby, Eystna’s parents of their grandchild and Eystna the chance to be a mother to the baby she was so looking forward to having.
"Tony McLernon is a dangerous, violent man. He has subjected numerous ex-girlfriends to constant fear of being assaulted, and Eystna paid the ultimate price during his final violent outburst. What he has taken away from the Blunnie family can never be replaced, but I hope he never has the opportunity to put another family through the pain they continue to suffer.”
Eystna Blunnie's family released the following statement following the verdict: "In June of 2012 our family was shattered by the death of a loving daughter, Eystna, and her unborn child, Rose. The worst part was to find out that their deaths were such a brutal murder.
"However today justice has prevailed for our daughter and granddaughter with the conviction of their killer. We would like to thank the Essex Police teams and the legal teams who have worked so hard to make this happen and for all the support that they have given us throughout this tragic time.
"We would also like to thank the family and friends who have supported us throughout and all the people who helped Eystna after she was beaten and left for dead by Tony McLernon.
"We would like now to be left with our family to try and rebuild our lives and remember Eystna and Rose in our hearts and minds.”