Killer gets life

Michael Taylor, 29, murdered Rebecca Hood, 18, at his home in Rutherford Square, Sunderland, after she agreed to a night out with him so she could confirm their relationship was over.

Taylor admitted murder at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

During the hearing Rebecca was described as "a very nice and pretty girl, friendly and outgoing with a word and a smile for everyone".

Taylor, who has 28 previous convictions and was once in court for kicking a kitten to death, was described as "immature, insecure, possessive and jealous".

Prosecutor Tim Parkin read a statement from Rebecca's mum Lynn, 46, during the hearing.

He said; "Becky was a very caring, giving, happy, outgoing, friendly and trusting person.

"She was a person who loved life.

"After she broke up with Taylor she had just started to enjoy herself, she had a provisional driving licence so she could learn to drive and she was looking forward to finding a new job.

"She started going out with her friend and doing things every other 18-year-old girl was doing.

"My son Shaun is so angry, he's like a volcano bubbling away, getting ready to explode and I dread the day he does because I just don't know what he will do or how we will cope, but I know we well cope because we have to.

"My poor Colin, Beck's dad, he will never have his father and daughter moments again.

"To see the pain etched on his face is unbearable.

"Colin is a quiet man and a very private person, he doesn't show his feelings like I do but I know he's in pain at losing his only daughter."

Mr Parkin told the court how the unlikely couple, who met through working together at Storey Carpets, began a relationship shortly after Christmas 2005 and soon moved in to a flat together in Baltimore Court, Sunderland.

But friends and colleagues described their relationship as "damaging" to her, with him often trying to humiliate her and talking openly at work about their sex life.

Despite their problems Rebecca's family tolerated the relationship for her sake, they welcomed him into their family and supported Taylor when his mother died in April this year.

But by the end of May 2007, after the couple moved to Rutherford Square, Rebecca ended the relationship and moved back to Washington with her parents.

Prosecutor Tim Parkin told the court: "She continued to feel sorry for the defendant and made that clear to those around her.

"She was happy to remain as friends because of the background that existed.

"He was persistent in wanting her back, he stood outside her parents' house and he made extravagant and expensive gestures to try and win her back.

"She told him quite simply 'money can't buy love'."

The court heard how after the split those close to Rebecca saw a change in her personality, with her lost confidence seemingly coming back.

Mr Parkin said; "She began going out with friends, making clear to everyone she and te defendant were no longer together.

"SHe had quite simply outgrown him. He continued to resent this and make efforts so they should spend time together."

The court heard how tragic Rebecca agreed to a night out on June 30.

Mr Parkin added; "It seems Rebecca's intention was to make her position absolutely clear.

"THe defendant by contrast made it clear to thos around him he intended to give her drugs without her knowing, no doubt with the intention to attempt to return to a past relationship."

The court heard how CCTV footage of the pair making their way back to Taylor's flat after the night out indicates, by her body language, she had not changed her mind about the relationship being over.

And a chance meeting with a work colleague in the street, during which the conversation turned to Rebecca seeing someone else, may have been what triggered Taylor's violence the next morning.

When they got back to the flat that night Rebecca called a friend to say she feared Taylor may have taken an overdose.

Rebecca stayed at the flat with Taylor over-night and it was the next morning the fateful row broke out about the conversation with the colleague.

Mr Parkin added: "He killed her by taking his belt off and putting it around her neck."

The court heard how Rebecca tried to save herself but was dead within between 30 seconds and two minutes.

Taylor then telephoned his sister and showed her Rebecca's body, by then covered in a blanket, when she came to the flat.

He begged his sister not to tell the police and phoned some friends.

His sister did eventually call the police and he was arrested.

Defence barrister Jamie Hill Qc told the court Taylor lost his father at a young age and his mother just this year.

Mr Hill said Taylor and Rebecca's relationship was a "mismatch" and that the killing happened in "an explosion of temper".

Judge David Hodson sentenced Taylor to life behind bars for what he said was a "brutal" killing and said he must serve at least 15 years before he is eligible for parole.

The judge said; "The moving and eloquent statements from Rebecca's parents are statement to their anguish in losing their much loved daugher and the rest of the family a sister.

"No sentence can ever be long enough for them, no sentence can do justice to the life of a young woman you murdered."

The judge said Taylor will not be automatically released after the 15 years and it will be up to the parole board when he is safe to be back on the streets.

The judge told Taylor: "Rebecca's family did all they could to support you when you needed support and to accept you into their family and you did this to them."