23 February 2012

An 18 year old girl who killed her neighbour with a single stab wound to the chest after an argument in the street has today been sentenced to seven years in jail.

Katy Bown killed her neighbour Shane Boulton in Stanley Terrace, Great Yarmouth, on Sunday 19 June.

Bown, who was found guilty of manslaughter at a previous hearing, was sentenced today by Judge Peter Jacobs at Norwich Crown Court. The sentence includes an extended period of supervision when Bown is released.

Speaking after the hearing, Det Chief Inspector Jes Fry of the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team (MIT) and who led the case, said: "The judge, in sentencing, made a very detailed address to the court about the complexities of the case in relation to the defendant's mental state and capacity which impacted on both the jury's verdict and on the sentencing options that were available.

"The extended licence period, which will amount to more than six years, reflects the danger her behaviour poses to the public and will ensure she is under supervision to help address some of these issues.

"It is a tragic case that has destroyed the lives of two young people."

At 7:50pm on Sunday 19 June 2011, Katy Bown of Stanley Terrace, had been trying to get her two year old to fall asleep, when 21 year old Shane Boulton began riding his trials style motorcycle in the adjacent road and alleyways. 

Bown asked Mr Boulton to make less noise, which led to an argument with Mr Boulton’s partner and which Mr Boulton then joined in with.

Another neighbour tried to separate the group and eventually Bown went back into her home. After the situation appeared to have calmed down, Bown took a knife from her home address and stabbed Shane in the heart as he stood in the street.

Shane died a short while after he was taken to the James Paget Hospital for treatment.

Family statement

It has been a difficult few months for me and my family and nothing can bring back my son Shane, we are disappointed with the result but we understand that there were factors in the case that culminated in this result.

I know that other people were involved in the incident but ultimately she stabbed him and for that she must serve whatever punishment is given. Although we will never be happy with the sentence because we have lost our loved one, he has lost his life and she still has hers.

We, as a family, have lost our son and brother and would like now to have the opportunity to grieve in peace.

Shane was a loving son, a wonderful brother and a fantastic dad, he will be sadly missed.