Woman sentenced to life in prison for murder in Welwyn Garden City
Tuche Coskun, 21, from Enfield fatally stabbed 42-year-old Gavin Hubbard at his home in Linkfield
Last updated 17th Jan 2025
A 21-year-old drug dealer has received a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years for the fatal stabbing of a man in Welwyn Garden City last year.
Tuche Coskun, of Central Avenue, Enfield, was found guilty of murdering 42-year-old Gavin Hubbard at his home during a trial at St Albans Crown Court on 14 November.
She was sentenced yesterday (Thursday, 16 January).
Police were called to Gavin’s home in Linkfield just before 3am on Sunday, 19 May, after reports of a disturbance. Ambulance crews and the air ambulance service also attended, but despite their efforts, Gavin was pronounced dead at the scene.
The court heard that Coskun had gone to Gavin’s home to retrieve drugs she claimed had been stolen from her earlier that evening. Armed with a large kitchen knife, she inflicted 22 sharp injuries, one of which proved fatal. During the trial, Coskun claimed she acted in self-defence.
Evidence seized during the police investigation included Class A drugs, £764 in cash, an iPhone, and other drug-related items. Coskun pleaded guilty to two charges of possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin on 9 August and was sentenced to 45 months for each charge, to run concurrently. She was acquitted of one charge of grievous bodily harm.
In a victim impact statement, Gavin’s mother, Valerie, described her son as “a pleasure to have in our lives” and “very loved.” She told the court about his tragic past, including the loss of his best friend and wife, which led him to struggle with substance abuse. “He was working so hard to turn his life around, and I am very proud of him,” she said.
Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit said: “Nothing is ever going to bring Gavin back, but I hope his family are reassured that justice has been served.”
Hertfordshire Constabulary has emphasised its commitment to tackling knife crime through measures such as weapon sweeps, hotspot patrols, and educational initiatives under the Serious Violence Strategy.
Anyone concerned about knife crime is urged to contact the police on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. For immediate concerns, always call 999.