Two women have been jailed for at least 19 years each for murdering their friend, Helen Bloomfield, in her own flat in Braintree, Essex. The attack took place in the early hours of March 20, 2024, and her body was discovered about a month later, on April 19.
Amy Keely, 40, of no fixed address, and Charlotte James, 29, of St Michaels Lane, Braintree, were convicted of murder. Chelmsford Crown Court heard on Friday (October 16) that the attack was "sustained and violent" and that Ms Bloomfield, a 52-year-old carer, had befriended the two women as part of a group of drug users in Braintree.
Attack details revealed in court
The court heard that Keely stabbed Ms Bloomfield multiple times and James smothered her with a pillow. Ms Bloomfield's phone data showed regular contact with Keely in the days leading up to her death. The women were let into her home on Aetheric Road, but an altercation took place inside; the cause of the argument was said to be known only to James and Keely.
Judge Christopher Morgan said: "This was a sustained and violent attack on a vulnerable person in her own home leading to a senseless death of a woman who was kind and generous. She was generous and kind to others who shared those same vulnerabilities. Her death has caused enduring misery."
Defence statements and victim impact
The judge stated: "She was smothered by you, Charlotte James, with a pillow and ultimately killed whilst she lay on the bed. I'm sure that you, Amy Keely, used a sharp force implement or implements." Sasha Wass, defending Keely, said: "It's difficult to understand or explain any motivation as far as Ms Keely was concerned. There was no intention to steal or any suggestion of any personal grievance and this was not a case of any premeditation."
Craig Rush, defending James, said: "She's somebody who has lived her entire adult life through a veil of alcohol and drug use." Kathryn Clark, Ms Bloomfield's niece, described her aunt as "kind, caring and generous", adding: "She would have given her last penny to help someone else. When she walked into a room she was a ray of sunshine no matter what was happening."
Police response after sentencing
DCI Greg Wood, who led the investigation, said: "This sentencing brings an end to the court proceedings in this case but the pain for Helen's friends and family do not go away. My thoughts, and those of my team, are with them today. I hope this sentence represents justice for them and helps them move forward. Amy Keely and Charlotte James carried out a despicable and cynical assault on Helen, killing her for their own benefit."
He added: "They were people she knew and trusted. It is difficult to imagine the fear she must have experienced as they worked together to kill her. I am pleased that the work of my team has ensured they will both remain behind bars for a significant amount of time."
