A BASINGSTOKE woman has been jailed for life today for murdering her partner while he was on the phone to the emergency services.

Deborah Napier, 53, of Amazon Close, Kings Furlong, was found guilty yesterday of the murder of Jolyon Wray, 46, at Winchester Crown Court.

Today, sentencing judge Mr Justice Dingemans gave Napier life in jail with a minimum of 13 years and six months.

Napier was arrested following the death of Mr Wray, who died after being stabbed in the back with a steak knife after a drunken fight at an address in East Hill Road, Ryde on June 13.

Police arrived at the address to find Mr Wray dead from a single stab wound from a 12.5cm (5 inch) blade.

She had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but a jury found her guilty of murder.

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Luke Donovan, said: "Deborah and Jolyon clearly had a troubled relationship, which, following a vicious attack, resulted in the tragic loss of Jolyon’s life.  

“Despite it being clear from the outset who was responsible for Jolyon’s death, and that Deborah Napier had already pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the beginning of the trial, the investigation team worked hard to present evidence for the jury to consider murder.”

“I hope today’s guilty verdict goes some way to giving Jolyon’s family closure and that they can now put the terrible events of this day behind them. I would like to thank them for their support and understanding throughout the investigation, especially Jolyon’s brother and sister who courageously gave evidence at the trial."

Following the sentence, Bernadette Kearney, senior crown prosecutor for Wessex said “Deborah and Jolyon’s relationship was a troubled one. Deborah Napier had accepted that she was responsible for Jolyon’s death and pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the first day of the trial.  The Crown Prosecution Service was satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to continue with the charge of murder, and the evidence was put to the jury.   After a nine day trial the jury found Deborah Napier guilty of murder.

We would like to thank Jolyon Wray’s family for their support throughout the prosecution and the witnesses who gave evidence at the trial.  We hope that the conviction brings some closure for them.”