Murder victim's contact with police to be examined

A review into the murder of a mother-of-three who had complained about her on-off partner's abusive and controlling behaviour has raised concerns about the performance of police and professionals.

The former senior detective who led the review told an inquest in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, how there should have been "some understanding" that Sarah Albone, 38, was at risk of being murdered by Matthew Waddell.

Steve Hassall said the Government needed to "do more" to promote understanding of risks generated by people's coercive control of partners.

Waddell was jailed for a minimum of 32 years in September 2023, after being convicted of murdering Albone at her home in Winston Crescent, Biggleswade.

He had killed Albone, who had multiple sclerosis, and hid her body in a suitcase inside a wheelie bin.

Albone's remains were found in the taped-up bin at her home on 25 February 2023 - three months after she was last seen.

A pathologist said Albone had suffered severe facial injuries, including a broken jaw, consistent with being hit and stamped on.

Coroner Emma Whitting is due to consider evidence over several days and has said the contact Albone had with police and other services will be examined.

She told Monday's inquest hearing how she wanted to ensure that "lessons are learned" from the "terrible tragedy" of Albone's death.

Waddell, who denied murder, had been given a mandatory life sentence after a trial at Luton Crown Court in 2023.

Prosecutors said the couple's "toxic relationship" began in late 2020.

They said Albone had become dependent on him because of her medical conditions - and Waddell had developed an "obsession".

She had made an assault complaint in December 2021 and catalogued his controlling and aggressive behaviour, jurors were told.

Waddell had ignored bail conditions after being arrested on suspicion of harassment, jurors heard.

Hassall had chaired a multi-agency domestic homicide review - yet to be published.

He gave Whitting details of Albone's involvement with police and health professionals after meeting Waddell.

Waddell had been homeless when he met Albone and had quickly moved in with her, Hassall said.

Hassall added that opportunities had been missed and told the coroner that a number of detailed recommendations for improvements had been made.

He said Albone had stopped trusting police.

Whitting asked Hassall: "There should have been some understanding that she was at real risk of being murdered by him?"

Hassall replied: "Yes".

Whitting said Waddell had "declined" a request to participate in the inquest.

The hearing continues.

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