Murderer who fatally shot partner in the head sentenced to a minimum of 32 years in prison

Richard Basson, 45, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 32 years after shooting his partner, Carrie Slater, in the forehead with a handgun. Basson initially claimed to emergency services that Slater had hurt herself by running into a pool cue, but it was later revealed that he had used one of the three illegal firearms he held to shoot her at their home in Long Clawson, Leicestershire. The incident occurred after an argument over half a cigarette, during which Basson said he stabbed Slater in the face with a pool cue after she came at him with a carving knife.

When emergency services arrived at the scene, they found Slater with a significant head injury in the bedroom. Basson behaved erratically and refused to cooperate with officers, but admitted to causing her injuries and was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. However, scans revealed that Slater had a gunshot wound, and she was placed on life support but ultimately pronounced dead two days later. A search of the couple’s bungalow revealed a self-loading pistol, ammunition, and the bullet that killed Slater, which was later recovered by a Home Office pathologist.

Basson and Slater had an on-off relationship for several years, and Basson was known to be violent towards her. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 32 years, as well as additional sentences for possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition without a certificate. The judge stated that Basson intended to kill Slater when he shot her, and his actions of lying to emergency services could have jeopardized the help she needed. The family of Slater expressed their grief and stated that justice being served allows them to start healing from the loss of their beloved daughter, sister, and aunt.

The trial heard that Basson fired two shots at Slater, with the first missing and the second causing devastating brain damage that ultimately led to her death. Judge Martin Spencer criticized Basson for putting his own interests ahead of Slater’s and for misleading emergency services and police. Despite the efforts of emergency services to respond quickly, Basson’s deception could have hindered Slater’s chances of receiving timely help. The family of Slater expressed gratitude for the support they have received since her passing and acknowledged that nothing can bring her back, but they are relieved that justice has been served.

Richard Basson’s actions were condemned by the court, which found him guilty of murder and sentenced him to life in prison with a minimum term of 32 years. The incident highlighted a history of violence in Basson and Slater’s relationship, with previous instances of abuse towards Slater being mentioned in court. Basson’s calculated actions in shooting Slater and then lying about the circumstances to emergency services were described as an attempt to cover up his intent to kill her. The family of Slater continues to mourn her loss but expressed hope that the sentencing would allow them to begin the healing process and find closure in the aftermath of the tragic incident.