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Life in prison for cleaner killer Life in prison for cleaner killer
(30 minutes later)
A man with a fascination for knives has been jailed for life after being found guilty of murdering a cleaner.A man with a fascination for knives has been jailed for life after being found guilty of murdering a cleaner.
Gary Chester-Nash had denied stabbing 59-year-old Jean Bowditch nine times as she cleaned a bungalow in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, in October 2005.Gary Chester-Nash had denied stabbing 59-year-old Jean Bowditch nine times as she cleaned a bungalow in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, in October 2005.
The 28-year-old, of no fixed address, will serve a minimum of 30 years. The court heard he killed Mrs Bowditch just a week after being released from jail.The 28-year-old, of no fixed address, will serve a minimum of 30 years. The court heard he killed Mrs Bowditch just a week after being released from jail.
Mr Justice Owen said he showed a "chilling attitude" towards his victim.Mr Justice Owen said he showed a "chilling attitude" towards his victim.
He told Truro Crown Court Mrs Bowditch was a "wholly innocent victim" who tragically crossed paths with him.He told Truro Crown Court Mrs Bowditch was a "wholly innocent victim" who tragically crossed paths with him.
Violent crimes like this cast a shadow over a family which will never, ever be removed Mr Justice Owen Tribute to 'fantastic wife'Violent crimes like this cast a shadow over a family which will never, ever be removed Mr Justice Owen Tribute to 'fantastic wife'
"You displayed chilling arrogance, clearly believing you were beyond the law and were able to outwit the police," the judge said."You displayed chilling arrogance, clearly believing you were beyond the law and were able to outwit the police," the judge said.
"You are an extremely dangerous man.""You are an extremely dangerous man."
Chester-Nash was released on 5 October last year from Pentonville Prison after serving a sentence for burglary.Chester-Nash was released on 5 October last year from Pentonville Prison after serving a sentence for burglary.
The court was told it was clear he intended to burgle the bungalow and had taken a knife, or knives, which he was prepared to use if the need arose.The court was told it was clear he intended to burgle the bungalow and had taken a knife, or knives, which he was prepared to use if the need arose.
He then stabbed Mrs Bowditch nine times as she cleaned the bungalow in Wayside, and left her to die in a pool of blood.He then stabbed Mrs Bowditch nine times as she cleaned the bungalow in Wayside, and left her to die in a pool of blood.
The mother-of-two was stabbed nine timesThe mother-of-two was stabbed nine times
The court heard that days before the killing the defendant told a girl he met that a stolen knife in his possession "would be good to kill someone with".The court heard that days before the killing the defendant told a girl he met that a stolen knife in his possession "would be good to kill someone with".
The judge said Chester-Nash lied and lied, "twisting and turning" in an attempt to fabricate a story which would enable him to escape the consequences of his "murderous attack".The judge said Chester-Nash lied and lied, "twisting and turning" in an attempt to fabricate a story which would enable him to escape the consequences of his "murderous attack".
He even invented a fictional character he tried to pass off as the murderer and lied about why Mrs Bowditch's blood was on his shoe.He even invented a fictional character he tried to pass off as the murderer and lied about why Mrs Bowditch's blood was on his shoe.
During the trial, prosecutor Geoffrey Mercer QC said Chester-Nash had a "fascination for knives".During the trial, prosecutor Geoffrey Mercer QC said Chester-Nash had a "fascination for knives".
On the day of the murder Chester-Nash was arrested at Truro railway station on suspicion of stealing a sandwich.On the day of the murder Chester-Nash was arrested at Truro railway station on suspicion of stealing a sandwich.
The judge said a victim assessment statement from Mrs Bowditch's husband Michael spoke of the "desolation" the family had suffered.The judge said a victim assessment statement from Mrs Bowditch's husband Michael spoke of the "desolation" the family had suffered.
It said: "Violent crimes like this cast a shadow over a family which will never, ever be removed."It said: "Violent crimes like this cast a shadow over a family which will never, ever be removed."
The court heard Chester-Nash had gone to burgle the bungalowThe court heard Chester-Nash had gone to burgle the bungalow
Chester-Nash was also sentenced to a total of two years' imprisonment for two burglaries he committed in Cornwall and the theft of a sandwich, which led to his arrest.Chester-Nash was also sentenced to a total of two years' imprisonment for two burglaries he committed in Cornwall and the theft of a sandwich, which led to his arrest.
After the case, West Cornwall MP Andrew George asked why there had not been restrictions on Chester-Nash who travelled to Cornwall the day after being released from prison.After the case, West Cornwall MP Andrew George asked why there had not been restrictions on Chester-Nash who travelled to Cornwall the day after being released from prison.
He said authorities had known Chester-Nash "presented a real and serious danger to others". Chester-Nash was subject to an anti social behaviour order, an Asbo, restricting his movements.
He said: "Someone, something or some part of the system failed in this case and Jean Bowditch has paid for that failure with her life."He said: "Someone, something or some part of the system failed in this case and Jean Bowditch has paid for that failure with her life."
Mr George said he had raised questions about the case with Home Secretary John Reid, and would pursue it further. The Home Office said the handling of the case was being reviewed and a series of recommendations would be developed as a result.