WARNING: Distressing content Claire Alex took her own life just four days after she told police about the 11 months of abuse she endured from Kathryn White
A jealous, controlling woman waged a campaign of psychological and physical abuse on her girlfriend, leading her to take her own life just days after she told police.
Kathryn White. and Claire Alex met on Tinder in August 2021 but the troubled relationship came to an end in July 2022, when an argument resulted in White grabbing Ms Alex by the neck and pinning her to a wall. She threatened to kill herself, took the victim’s phone so she could not call for help, and threw her to the floor.
Claire finally gathered the courage to to tell police she had “completely lost herself” and felt “broken” after 11 months of torment from White. Four days later, she killed herself.
White, 41, of Mayfield Mews in Crewe, denied controlling and coercive behaviour, but was found guilty following a trial. She appeared back in court today, Friday July 31, for sentence.
The judge White’s behaviour amounted to “a prolonged and persistent campaign of psychological and physical abuse.” On one occasion the court heard White threatened to stab Ms Alex. On another occasion, she slapped her outside her workplace after a colleague hugged her, Liverpool Echo reports.
Rosemary Proctor, defending White, said the former army officer had depression, anxiety and ADHD, and had suffered sexual trauma in the past. She said: “It’s clear from the character references she can be compassionate, she can be generous, she can be a good friend, a good sister, a good daughter, even a good girlfriend. There are many who can say she had made a positive impact on their lives.”
While Prosecutor Ember Jade Wong said: “She would control what she did, who she spoke to, and would monitor her in various different ways. Perhaps the most significant form of isolation in this case was from friends and family, including her own children.”
The judge concluded: “I have watched your behaviour throughout the trial. I’m satisfied, even allowing for your mental health difficulties, you demonstrated a cold, collected attitude with absolutely no remorse, shame or empathy.
“Your behaviour demonstrated attempts by you to control the way evidence was given. You made flippant and jokey remarks which could not have been more inappropriate, which shows a complete lack of understanding of the impact of your offending.”
He sentenced White to three years and six months in prison.
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
For confidential support, call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk.
