Woman Jailed For Murdering Partner
29 May 2012, 16:24 | Updated: 29 May 2012, 16:30
45-year-old Carole Kemp from Torquay, has been found guilty and sentenced to life in jail with a minimum term of 13 years at Winchester Crown Court for the murder of Martin Rusling from Weymouth.
Kemp killed Mr Rusling, who was 44, with a single stab wound through his heart on the night of December 27th 2011.
Following the verdict, District Crown Prosecutor for CPS Wessex, Richard Oakley said:
"Carole Kemp killed Martin Rusling by stabbing him through his heart in a moment of rage.
"Carole Kemp and Martin Rusling had been in a relationship for approximately seven months, having met on an internet dating site. Ms Kemp had hoped that she and Mr Rusling would eventually set up home together.
"The couple spent some time together over Christmas at Mr Rusling's home in Park Road, Portland. During this time, according to Ms Kemp, Mr Rusling seems to have indicated that he did not wish her to move in with him.
"Ms Kemp admitted to feeling frustrated and depressed and stated that there was an argument between the two of them. It seems that shortly after this Mr Rusling received the fatal wound to his heart.
"The defendant when arrested initially told the police that she did not mean to kill him and appeared to take responsibility for Mr Rusling's injuries. She maintained this version for two days and then gave a new statement where she said that Mr Rusling was accidentally stabbed while he tried to stop her committing suicide.
"The jury, after hearing both the prosecution and the defence case was satisfied that Kemp had intended to kill Mr Rusling.
"This is an extremely sad case where Martin Rusling's life was lost apparently through Ms Kemp's anger and frustration. I hope that Mr Rusling's family can find some comfort with the verdict, our thoughts go out to them at this difficult time."
Detective Inspector Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said:
“Martin was very well loved by his family and friends and described as a very friendly, happy and caring person.
“We believe that Martin, who was in a short term relationship with Kemp, wanted to end the relationship over the Christmas period and she reacted violently, stabbing him once in the chest with a kitchen knife.
“He was fatally wounded and died from one single deep puncture wound.
“This was a tragic and callous act against a defenceless man and our sympathy is with Martin’s family and friends who are still coming to terms with their loss.
“I would like to thank Detective Sergeant Dave Richards from the Major Crime Investigation Team for his thorough investigation which brought Kemp to justice.”