Jason Gaskell, 24, has been sentenced to six years in prison for the manslaughter of Laura Huteson, 21, during a violent sexual encounter at his home in Hull. The incident occurred on 27 February after the pair, who had only met earlier that day, consumed vodka and cocaine.
Sheffield Crown Court heard that Gaskell stabbed Ms Huteson in the throat, severing her jugular vein and carotid artery. Judge Jeremy Richardson described the act as part of 'bizarre and violent sadomasochistic sexual activity', noting that Gaskell regularly used a knife during sex and kept one under his pillow for that purpose.
The judge stated there was no suggestion the sex was non-consensual, but emphasised that Gaskell took a deliberate and obvious risk. 'The price paid by Laura Huteson was infinitely greater. She is dead,' he said.
Gaskell, who wept throughout the hearing, initially faced a murder charge but pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Prosecutor Nicholas Lumley QC confirmed that Gaskell admitted deliberately holding a knife to Ms Huteson's neck during intercourse, causing fatal injuries.
In a victim impact statement, Ms Huteson's mother described feeling 'empty' and said, 'She did not deserve to die. He has destroyed us all.' Gaskell expressed deep remorse in a letter to the judge, apologising for the 'horrific circumstances'.
