Derbyshire man who murdered 21-year-old partner jailed for life
He slammed her head against the floor after a night out for their anniversary
A Derbyshire man has been jailed for life for murdering his 21-year-old partner by slamming her head against the floor on the night of their anniversary.
The incident happened on February 17 2024 at their flat in Greenhill Lane, Riddings.
Kain Tailby pinned Christine Everett-Hickson, known as Chrissie, to the ground before hitting her head on the floor a number of times.
Neighbours described hearing loud bangs, before silence.
After Tailby called 999, Chrissie was rushed to hospital where they found she had suffered a number of skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury.
The 21-year-old died five days later.
After being charged with murder, the 31-year-old, of Greenhill Lane, Riddings, admitted manslaughter but denied intentionally killing Chrissie.
However, on Wednesday (26 March) he was found guilty of murder by a jury after a trial at Derby Crown Court on.
Today (28 March) he was jailed for life. He must serve a minimum of 16 years and 329 days before he is eligible to be considered for release.
Sentencing him, Judge Shaun Smith KC, said: "In just a few minutes in your flat, your explosion of anger and violence snuffed out the life of Chrissie.
"She was just 21 when she died five days later. She was described by her mum in her victim impact statement as "vibrant, funny, innocent, truly beautiful, compassionate, compelling. A young lady who had just begun to live.
"Your life and the lives of so many others, have been permanently changed forever by your violence. Why? Only you will truly know. Whatever the reason, it was no justification for the level of violence you used. The effect of your actions on those who knew and loved Chrissie has been, and will remain, immeasurable.
"Her life and smile were infectious, she was kind and considerate. That Chrissie's mum forgives you is beyond admirable. (But) I accept you are not an evil man."
Detective Constable Jonathan Reeves, who was part of the team that worked to bring Tailby to justice, said: “It’s impossible to put into words the utter devastation that Chrissie’s family have been experiencing since her death – all because of the actions of one man.
“Chrissie looked to Tailby to provide her with love and support but instead he so cruelly ended her life in a truly horrific way.
“At just 21, Chrissie had so much to look forward to in her life and it is an absolute tragedy that she’ll never get to achieve her dreams and celebrate further milestones.
“Tailby would have known that his behaviour on that night would only have had one outcome but he has never been able to explain why he did what he did.
“He will now be serving many years behind bars for this crime – while Chrissie’s family face a life sentence of grief.
“I’d like to thank them for all of their support throughout this investigation and commend their incredible bravery during these court proceedings.
“My thoughts and those of the wider team who have been involved in this investigation will continue to be with them for many years to come.”