Killer who stabbed Gateshead mother 27 times jailed

39-year-old Ben Hughes admitted to killing 37-year-old Laura Robson in the attack at his home in Greenside in July 2024. Credit: Northumbria Police

A man has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 17 and a half years for the murder of a woman in Gateshead.

39-year-old Ben Hughes admitted to killing 37-year-old Laura Robson, was stabbed 27 times during an attack at a house in Appledore Close Greenside in July 2024.

Hughes pleaded guilty to her murder at a court hearing in November 2024 and had been remanded in custody until today's sentencing.

The court heard how the mother-of-three had come to Hughes' flat in Greenside near Ryton on 22 July 2024. The pair had known each other for just a few days after meeting through a friend.

Laura Robson knew Ben Hughes for only a few days before she was murdered. Credit: Family picture

The court was also told how that same night, Laura had sent a text to a friend to say things were not good and that she was returning home.

However, a few minutes later a neighbour of Hughes called the police to report hearing loud screams and cries help coming from Hughes' flat.

The neighbour heard Laura calling out that she was about to die going to die and was going to "bleed out", with Hughes replying that she was going to die anyway and that nobody was coming to help her.

Laura's body was found in the front room of the house by Emergency services. She was declared her dead at the scene.

Emergency services were called to a house in the Greenside area of Gateshead in July 2024, but were unable to save Laura's life. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Hughes appeared for sentencing via video link, but walked out of proceedings after becoming disruptive. In his absence, he was handed a life sentence and will serve a minimum of 17 and a half years in prison.

In an emotional statement read to the court, Laura's mother Jill Evans said: “The hardest part for me is knowing she won’t walk back through the door. It is constantly in my mind, that night.

"I keep asking myself why would he do that to my daughter, to take her life the way he did. Life without Laura is a battle everyday”

Speaking following the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney, of Northumbria Police, said: “First and foremost, I would like to pay tribute to Laura’s family and loved ones for the strength they have shown in the past six months.

“They have been put through a horrendous ordeal and hope they can take a degree of closure now Laura’s killer has been jailed.

“Ben Hughes is an extremely dangerous individual who has taken the life of a completely innocent woman.

“Through our investigation we found that he had only known Laura for a matter of days before he subjected her to a violent assault which claimed her life.

“Domestic abuse is never, ever acceptable and we will always look to identify those responsible for horrific offences such as this and ensure they face justice.”

Anyone with concerns over a partner, a partner of a friend or family can use Clare’s Law to check if they have a history of violence. This can help people to make an informed decision about their relationship and escape if necessary.

The service is free and completely confidential. Information on how to make an application under Clare's Law is available online.

Anyone with immediate concerns about someone’s safety should always dial 999.


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