A possessive woman who subjected her girlfriend to a relentless campaign of abuse has been jailed after the victim took her own life. Kathryn White, 41, showed "absolutely no remorse, shame or empathy" as a judge sentenced her for controlling and coercive behaviour.
Campaign of abuse
White met Claire Alex on dating app Tinder in August 2021. The relationship began positively, but White soon became controlling, monitoring Alex's calls, messages, and social media, and isolating her from friends and family, including her own children.
In July 2022, an argument escalated when White grabbed Alex by the neck, pinned her to a wall, threatened to kill herself, and took her phone. Neighbours called police, and Alex made a statement, telling officers she had "completely lost herself" and felt "broken". Four days later, she took her own life.
Court hearing
At Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Gary Woodhall said White's prolonged abuse had significantly contributed to Alex's decision to end her life. He noted White's behaviour was motivated by "sexual jealousy, a sense of ownership and desire to isolate the victim".
White denied the charge but was found guilty after a trial. In mitigation, her defence said she had depression, anxiety, ADHD, and past sexual trauma, and asked for a suspended sentence.
Judge Woodhall rejected that plea, saying White had demonstrated a "cold, collected attitude" throughout the trial, making flippant remarks and showing no understanding of the impact of her offending. He sentenced her to three years and six months in prison.
