Strangler boyfriend given life
Oct 6 2007 by jl reporter1, The Journal
A MAN from Sunderland who killed his former girlfriend by strangling her with his belt has been jailed for life.
Michael Taylor, 29, yesterday pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to the murder of 18-year-old Rebecca Hood in July this year.
Recorder David Hodson described the murder as “brutal” and said: “No sentence can ever do justice to the life of the young woman you murdered.”
Taylor, wearing a white shirt, hung his head as he was told he must serve a minimum of 15 years in prison.
The court heard how Taylor killed Miss Hood in the early hours of July 1 in his own home in Rutherford Square, in the Red House area of Sunderland, after they had been for a drink together.
After strangling her with his belt, Taylor called to tell his sister, who came to the house, but he dissuaded her from calling the police. He then left his victim covered with a blanket and roamed Sunderland making calls to family and friends, but failing to call for help.
His sister eventually raised the alarm later that day. Miss Hood was pronounced dead at the scene and Taylor was subsequently arrested.
Taylor and the victim began their relationship late in 2005 when they were both working locally at Storey Carpets and she was just 16.
The court heard that he “humiliated” her when they were a couple and encouraged her to experiment with drugs. They later moved in together but, in May this year, Ms Hood decided to end the relationship and move back home with her parents. Tim Parker, prosecuting, said of the night before her murder: “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 to 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 the 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.”
Jamie Hill QC, defending, said: “The defendant was unclear as to precisely what was going through his mind. This was tragically borne out of a mismatched relationship.”
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”.
