POLICE say although nothing can bring their daughter back, they hope the family of Kelly Franklin will think justice has been served.

Julie Wass, 48, drove Torbjorn Kettlewell to the horrific stabbing, then sped him away to a woodland hideout they had checked out earlier in the day.

He stabbed Kelly Franklin - the mother of his three children and Wass's next door neighbour - more than 30 times in a brutal, jealousy-fuelled attack near her home in Hartlepool in August.

Both Kettlewell, of Oval Grange, Hartlepool, and Wass, of Kipling Road, Hartlepool, denied murder.

Kettlewell, 30, was convicted of murder and Wass was cleared of murder but found guilty of the alternative charge of manslaughter following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Speaking afterwards, Senior Investigating Officer, Temporary Detective Superintendent Wendy Tinkler said: “Kelly Franklin was a domestic abuse victim who was manipulated and controlled by her former partner, Torbjorn Kettlewell.  This control and manipulation continued following their separation despite Kelly attempting to rebuild her life without him.    

“Kettlewell and Julie Wass began a relationship together where they both monitored and manipulated Kelly, ultimately leading to the horrendous events of Wednesday 3rd August when Kelly suffered the brutal attack inflicted upon her by Kettlewell. 

“Kelly had her young life tragically stolen from her by Kettlewell and Wass and her family have been left absolutely heartbroken. She was the mother of three young children, she had many dreams and ambitions about what she wanted to achieve for herself and her young family.   

“Nothing will ever bring Kelly back and her family will continue to struggle to recover from this tragic event, however, I hope they feel reassured that justice has been served.”