Man Sentenced to Life for Murdering Girlfriend in Crawley

Jason Flore, 26, has been sentenced to life in prison after murdering his girlfriend, 19-year-old Stephanie Marie, in Crawley. The attack occurred in a disused car park and was described as an ‘explosion of violence’. The judge highlighted Flore’s intent to kill, while the victim’s mother mourned her daughter’s tragic fate.

A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Stephanie Marie, in a disused car park in Crawley. Jason Flore, 26, stabbed the 19-year-old through the heart during a violent outburst fueled by anger and alcohol. Judge Jeremy Gold KC emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack, indicating that Flore had intended to kill. Despite denying the charge, Flore was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years by Hove Crown Court.

In court, Miss Marie’s mother, Cathy, expressed her ongoing grief in a victim impact statement, stating she mourns for her daughter daily. The family had emigrated from Mauritius to England in search of better educational opportunities when Stephanie was 13 years old. Described as a cheerful young woman with dreams of becoming a hairdresser, her life was tragically influenced by her relationship with Flore, who was significantly older than her when they met.

Before her death, Stephanie lived in a tent with Flore, who was homeless at the time. On August 17, after both had consumed a considerable amount of alcohol at a barbecue, witnesses reported aggressive behavior between the couple. The following morning, Flore fatally stabbed Stephanie in the chest, causing severe injuries to her heart and aorta.

Initially, Flore attempted to claim that Stephanie had inflicted the stab wound upon herself and later sought to lay blame on others. However, the court found the evidence against him to be compelling. Notably, Flore refused to attend his sentencing, exhibiting a lack of remorse for his actions.

The case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the impact of substance abuse. Stephanie Marie’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present in abusive relationships. With a minimum sentence of 21 years, the ruling reflects both the severity of the crime and the devastating loss experienced by her family as they continue to seek justice and healing.

Original Source: www.bbc.com