Man Sentenced to Life for Stabbing Girlfriend in Crawley Incident

Jason Flore, 26, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, 19-year-old Stephanie Marie, in Crawley. The court heard details of the violent incident, which occurred after the couple had consumed alcohol. Flore denied murder, but Judge Jeremy Gold KC emphasized his intention to kill. Ms. Marie’s family expressed ongoing grief after her tragic death.

A man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend in a disused car park in Crawley. Jason Flore, 26, originally from Mauritius, fatally stabbed 19-year-old Stephanie Marie in August of the previous year. During the sentencing at Hove Crown Court, Judge Jeremy Gold KC emphasized that Flore had clearly intended to kill Ms. Marie, stating that the attack was an “explosion of violence” driven by anger and alcohol.

Flore, who had been living as a rough sleeper, denied the murder charge but was ultimately sentenced to 21 years minimum. The court heard a victim impact statement from Ms. Marie’s mother, Cathy, who expressed her ongoing grief, stating she cries for her daughter daily. The family emigrated from Mauritius to England for better educational opportunities when Stephanie was 13.

Stephanie was described as a vibrant child with aspirations of becoming a hairdresser. However, at 14, she met Flore, who was then 21, and subsequently fell under his influence. By August 2024, the couple was living in a tent at the car park where the tragic incident occurred.

On the night before the stabbing, the couple attended a barbecue and consumed a significant amount of alcohol. The following morning, witnesses reported the couple’s aggressive behavior towards one another. Flore used a knife to stab Ms. Marie in the chest, injuring her heart and aorta critically.

Judge Gold noted that Flore had initially claimed that Ms. Marie had inflicted the injury upon herself and later attempted to deflect blame onto others, despite overwhelming evidence of his guilt. Notably, Flore chose not to be present for his sentencing.

In summary, Jason Flore has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend, Stephanie Marie, following a violent altercation fueled by alcohol. The case highlights tragic circumstances surrounding their relationship, marked by vulnerability and influence. The victim’s family continues to endure the profound impact of their loss.

Original Source: www.bbc.com