News / avon and somerset police
‘Confrontational’ Hartcliffe woman jailed for partner’s murder
A 41-year-old woman has been sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison for the murder of her partner.
Sonja Blenkiron was convicted for the murder of Paul Wagland, 52, at Bristol Crown Court on Friday.
In court, Blenkiron admitted to stabbing Wagland, but claimed it was in self-defence, saying he had attacked her first in the early hours of January 30.
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On Monday, the jury rejected her defence after hearing accounts from neighbours who heard the incident.
They described her as being “confrontational and provocative” and said she could often be heard shouting at Wagland.
A judge sentenced her to a mandatory life term, and stated that Blenkiron would not be able to request parole until she has served at least 15 years.
Paul Wagland in his thirties – photo: Avon and Somerset Police
Senior investigating officer, detective chief inspector Mark Almond, said: “During the trial, jurors were played a recording of the 999 call made after Blenkiron attacked her partner.
“For someone who claimed she acted out of necessity, she showed a remarkable lack of empathy.
“Footage from officers’ body cameras appeared to show she was more concerned with ensuring she had shoes to wear when taken into custody.
“Blenkiron clearly had no respect for the man she claimed to love and who’s life she had just taken,” he added.
In a statement issued by Wagland’s family, they said: “As a family, this year has been the hardest and most traumatic of our lives.
“We will never be able to put into words the loss of someone as special as Wags and what he meant to each and every one of us.”
The family thanked Avon and Somerset Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for ensuring they were able to get justice for Wagland.
“We do not want the tragic circumstances of which he died to be how he is remembered,” they added.
“Wags will live on and always be remembered for the loving, caring and charismatic son, dad, brother, husband, grandad and friend he was.”
Main photo: Avon and Somerset Police
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