A man who attacked and killed his partner at a house in Margate has been convicted of murder.
Thomas Allen stabbed Samantha Murphy through a hole he had kicked in the front door of the property in Elfrida Close on Saturday 16 July 2022.
Mum-of-three Ms Murphy suffered a catastrophic wound to her leg and, despite the work of paramedics, died at the scene.
She was just 37-years-old and lived in Margate with her children Brooke, Ellie and Tommy Lee.
Attending police officers quickly identified Allen as the attacker and he was arrested in Clifton Place around two hours later.
Following an investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, Allen, of Elfrida Close, was charged with Ms Murphy’s murder and was convicted today (January 25).
Police were called to the scene at around 3.10am that day and statements from witnesses established that the victim, offender and their neighbours had been socialising during the evening.
An argument had then broken out during which Allen assaulted Ms Murphy at their home before she made her way back to the neighbour’s house.
Allen followed shortly after and kicked a panel out of the neighbour’s front door.
As Ms Murphy approached the door to ask him to leave, Allen reached in through the hole with a knife, causing the fatal injury.
Allen was then driven from the scene, but tracked down by police and arrested.
He was convicted of murder following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court. The 38-year-old will be sentenced tomorrow.
‘Violent actions’
Detective Inspector Lee Neiles of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate said: “Thomas Allen’s violent actions have deprived Ms Murphy’s family of a loving presence in their lives and I would like to express my sincere condolences to them.
“I am pleased the actions of attending officers at the scene led to Allen’s quick arrest and that the subsequent investigation has led to him being convicted of murder.
“I urge anyone suffering abuse or violence at the hands of a partner, or someone they know, to contact police as soon as possible. We will take action to keep you safe and hold those who might harm you to account.”
