Life sentence for Theresa's 'flippant' killer

Apr 5 2005 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

He also assaulted her and after she lost consciousness she woke to find him trying to strangle her.

As part of his rehabilitation order, Walton was ordered to take part in an anger management course, but despite his court appearance he continued to harass the woman and sent her abusive text messages.

Mr Campbell said the victim installed a security camera at her home, but the wire was later cut.

Walton was eventually sentenced to another community rehabilitation order in April 2003 for the offence of harassment and was made the subject of an 18-month restraining order.

Barrister Robert Smith QC, for Walton, conceded there was little to be said on his client's behalf and he accepted that his conduct deserved punishment.

He said: "Whatever the explanation or origins of the accused's instability and personality disorder, he recognises that what he's done stems from an inability to control violence.

"He looks back now with a complete lack of comprehension on his past misconduct and the events of that night."

The Honorary Recorder of Bradford, Judge Stephen Gullick, told Walton life imprisonment was the only sentence for murder, but he said he needed more time to consider the appropriate minimum term he should serve before even being considered for release.

Walton was remanded back into custody to be sentenced today.