A mother who bludgeoned a man to death with a hammer has walked free from court, sparking fury from the victim's grieving family.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was handed a suspended sentence after admitting manslaughter. The court heard she acted in a moment of 'extreme stress' following a heated argument.
The victim, a man in his 30s, suffered catastrophic head injuries in the violent attack. His devastated relatives branded the sentence a 'disgrace', claiming justice had not been served.
Family's Anguish Over 'Inadequate' Punishment
The victim's sister told reporters: 'How can someone take a life and just walk away? This wasn't self-defence - it was brutal, sustained violence.'
Legal experts have suggested the sentence reflects the defendant's clean record and the judge's acceptance of her remorse. However, victim support groups argue it sends a dangerous message about violent crime.
What the Court Heard
- The attack occurred during a domestic dispute
- The weapon was a claw hammer taken from a toolbox
- Paramedics fought to save the victim at the scene
- The defendant claimed she 'snapped' under pressure
Criminologists warn that cases like this highlight ongoing concerns about sentencing for violent offences in the UK justice system.
