A man described by a judge as a 'cold, callous and cruel madman' has been handed a life sentence for the horrific double murder of his partner and her mother in their own home.
Joshua Jacques, 29, was ordered to serve a minimum of 38 years behind bars after pleading guilty to stabbing Samantha Drummonds, 27, and her mother, Denise Drummonds, 58, to death in a vicious and sustained attack in May 2022.
A Scene of Unimaginable Horror
Police discovered the gruesome scene at the family home on Delaford Road in Kennington, south London, after being alerted by a concerned neighbour. The court heard how Jacques had inflicted more than 70 knife wounds on the two women in a frenzy of violence.
Prosecutor William Emlyn Jones KC detailed the horrifying extent of the injuries, stating the attack was of 'savagery and ferocity that is almost impossible to comprehend.'
A Chilling 999 Call and a Troubled Past
The court was played a haunting 999 call made by Jacques himself after the murders. In a calm and collected manner, he told the operator, 'I’ve killed my girlfriend and my mother-in-law. I’ve killed two people. I’ve killed my family.'
It was revealed that Jacques had a history of cannabis use and psychosis. However, a psychiatric report presented to the Old Bailey concluded that he was not suffering from a major mental illness at the time of the killings and was therefore fit to stand trial.
Justice Served: A Life for a Life
Sentencing him, Judge Mark Lucraft KC said: 'You are a dangerous man. This was a cold, callous and cruel attack. You have robbed two families of two much-loved family members in the most awful of circumstances.'
The life sentence ensures that Jacques, branded a true danger to the public, will likely spend the rest of his days in prison, finally bringing a measure of justice for Samantha and Denise.
