Murdered by justice
Outrage of family who lost mum to violent ex freed 3 times to kill
BRITAIN'S legal system has been blamed for the horrific murder of mum Louise Evans-butchered by a crazed lover freed THREE TIMES by a court after trying to strangle her.
Grieving daughters Sabrina Williams and Laura Whatman condemned magistrates who bailed evil Keith Prest despite his repeated vows to kill their mother.
In tears Sabrina, 28, raged: "Nobody took Prest's threats seriously enough. The courts have blood on their hands."
English teacher Louise, 48, endured two years' hell at the hands of bully Prest after they met through a text dating service.
Despite the abuse she stuck with the jobless drifter at her home in Ashford, Kent, because she suffered multiple sclerosis and desperately craved the security of a partner.
But Louise finally summoned the courage to walk out after a petty row climaxed with Prest pinning her to the bed and throttling her with his hands until she passed out. Prest was arrested and admitted the attack. He faced 12 months' jail but incredibly was freed to await sentence.
He was ordered to stay away from Louise. But repeatedly sent texts and notes threatening her life. Louise complained to police five times and begged for them to lock him up.
Twice Prest, 49, was jailed for breaching bail conditions but then freed again. Finally he struck-in the car park of a PRISON where Louise was working. As she fumbled for her car keys Prest pounced from the bushes and stabbed her 43 TIMES, her screams echoing around the jail.
After the monster was sentenced to life by Maidstone Crown Court, victim Louise's daughter Laura, 25, said: "Mum was seriously let down by the authorities. Why wasn't anyone watching Prest? It's a disgrace."
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This article has 9 comments
its ok for the magistrates to say sorry and people talk about compensation. but what does a bit of money or sympathy to a family who's had thier mum murdered through ignorance. multiple times they were warned but didnt listen to the words untill something actually happened. whats the use in changing after the damage has been done?
By michael barnes. Posted December 17 2008 at 10:06 PM.
I sincerely hope the magistrates will offer some compensation for their serious lack of compassion towards this lady, her daughters are still young enough to need their mother in their lives, and now thanks to the magistrates they no longer have her! I'd like to bet these girls will be tormented forever due to this system failure!
By Lisa. Posted November 14 2008 at 1:40 AM.
The justice system in this country is inconsistent, unreliable and unjust towards the victims of this and other crimes. If my son can live in 'sub-standard' accommodation in the British Army and still get charged rent then so can our prisoners. There have been plenty of suggestions about housing criminals so the vermon can be erradicated from our communities, but of course the accommodation would not be good enough because they are evidently treated as more superior than their victims and other decent law abiding citizen in this country. Louise Evans would have had more protection if she had been a released criminal. Our justice system should be made totally responsible for their inappropriate actions which resulted in this horrendous death and loss of a loved family member. Sue the government and make the decision makers accountable for their actions and the devastating effect this has on families and communities. Money and reputation is the only thing, unfortunately, that seems to make people think twice. My heart goes out to your family.
By Paula Matthews. Posted October 31 2008 at 11:50 AM.
Nothing short of disgusting. Eleven years in power and not enough prison places. It's a dereliction of duty.
By DonB. Posted October 26 2008 at 3:53 PM.
I feel sorry for the police, when they have first hand knowledge of the low life we have on our streets. They are the first contacts with these people and they have more knowledge of what these people are capable of. Then what happens these people are in court being judged by persons
who have never come in contact with them this makes our law system crapp. There must be many police officers who have held their head in their hands at the verdicts. Those sent to prison who should not and those who should be there but are not sent. I should imagine even the police do not have any faith in our courts.
By SHEILA MOORE. Posted October 26 2008 at 10:32 AM.
I am for the rope for murder,but being a realist it will not happen.I blame the courts all of the time because sentencing does not fit the crime in most cases.People who murder get off far tooo lightly,just like that footballer goalkeeper who was drunk caused a horrific crash and he will be out in 3 1/2 years to carry on with his life.WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO PICK UP THE PIECES AFTER SOMETHING LIKE THAT,WHAT ABOUT THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS EH.
geordie.
By thomas carr. Posted October 26 2008 at 7:14 AM.
what a bloody disgrace.
By VioletteUK. Posted October 26 2008 at 1:25 AM.
When I was a serving Prison Officer back in the 80's, anyone without a criminal conviction could apply to be a magistrate!!!! I remember reading an advert (from central government) asking for "honest citizens" to become Magistrates! Unless you were a Stipendiary magistrate "a qualified Solicitor or Barrister", the position was unpaid, (expenses only) and throughout any proceedings, would always be "advised" by the Clerk of the Court" who had legal qualifications. That was it, and I could easily understand why a defendant would plead "not guilty" because they would get a fairer "deal" in a Crown Court where everyone was legally qualified!
I'm betting the system hasn't changed at all over the last 20 yrs.!!!!
By Julian Clark. Posted October 26 2008 at 2:07 AM.
This is typical of magistrates,they dont live in the real world.
By Cas Conetta. Posted October 25 2008 at 11:52 PM.