A man has been found guilty of murdering a hairdresser in a knife attack at her salon in Blandford Forum, Dorset. Stuart Thomas, 49, of Salisbury Road, Blandford, fatally stabbed Katrina O'Hara, 44, at Jocks Barbers on 7 January.
Winchester Crown Court heard that Thomas, a self-employed builder and married father of four, had 'lain in wait' for Ms O'Hara and attacked her as she stepped outside for a cigarette at the end of her working day. He used a large kitchen knife to inflict two fatal stab wounds to her chest, then cut his own wrists with the same weapon.
The court was told that the pair had a romantic relationship starting in May 2015, but Ms O'Hara tried to end it by autumn because she did not want to be involved with a married man. Thomas refused to accept the breakup, repeatedly confronting her and sending 'many messages' pleading for her to return. Ms O'Hara reported him to police just before New Year's Eve.
Prosecuting barrister Nigel Lickley QC described the relationship as 'volatile', with Ms O'Hara attempting to leave several times. Each time, Thomas persuaded her to come back by promising to leave his wife or threatening self-harm.
Detective Inspector Richard Dixey said after the verdict: '[Thomas] was an abusive and controlling man who would not accept that his relationship with Katrina O'Hara was over. He sought to use harassment, violence, threats and emotional blackmail to control her behaviour, ultimately leading to her being stabbed to death.'
Thomas denied murder but was convicted. He is due to be sentenced at Winchester Crown Court next month.
