Man cleared of murder after killing partner in psychotic episode after eating cannabis brownie

Jake Notman stabbed his girlfriend more than 30 times Credit: Handout

A man from Tamworth who killed his partner during a psychotic episode has been cleared of murder after admitting manslaughter.

Jake Notman, 27, had stabbed, strangled and ran over Lauren Bloomer after eating a cannabis brownie at their home in Bingley Avenue on November 20 last year.

During a trial at Stafford Crown Court the court heard Ms Bloomer, who was a 25-year-old university student, had "recorded her own murder" on a mobile phone after searching for advice for the "bad weed trip" suffered by Notman.

The near-17-minute recording, began with the couple in the bedroom as Notman began to attack Ms Bloomer, at first with his bare hands.

He had accusing her of laughing at him and then became aggressive nine minutes into the recording.

Lauren Bloomer was killed by her partner, Jake Notman, who stabbed and ran over her during a psychotic episode Credit: Staffordshire Police/PA

Notman was then heard saying "I am going to make sure" before the sound of a revving engine was heard.

A thud was then recorded by the victim's phone as Notman's Ford Kuga was being driven over her.

He was seen by neighbours as he ran over his partner's body, and took no steps to help her before heading back into their house.

He then dialled 999, telling the operator he had "been told I have killed my girlfriend".

During the trial at Stafford Crown Court, the 27-year-old car factory worker denied murdering Ms Bloomer, claiming he did not form the necessary intent because of his mental state.

Notman stabbed, strangled and ran over his girlfriend after eating a cannabis brownie at their home in Bingley Avenue

Notman pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter after prosecutors decided to offer no further evidence on an allegation of murder.

He has been jailed for eight years and eight months for killing his partner Ms Bloomer.

Explaining the Crown's decision to offer no evidence on the count of murder, prosecution QC Ben Douglas-Jones said three psychiatrists instructed to assess Notman had decided he could not have formed the intent necessary to prove the charge.

Prosecution Ben Douglas-Jones GC said: "In particular he could not discern whether Lauren Bloomer was alive or dead, or real or not.

"In other words, he could not discern whether or not he was with another human being."

He added: "The Crown has reviewed the evidence at a high level within the CPS and has concluded with careful reflection that it is not possible to continue with the murder charge."