Clowne killer handed life sentence

Nottingham Crown Court heard how Alexander Burnett, 32, of Westlea View, Clowne, stabbed 52 year-old mum-of-three Lee Hendry through the neck with a kitchen knife after a reunion at his home.

Jobless Burnett said he accidentally stabbed care worker Lee Hendry, of Brimington, Chesterfield, when a sex game went wrong but a trial jury dismissed his claims and found he had deliberately killed her and found him guilty of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Cathcart from Derbyshire Police said: “I hope the family of Lee Hendry can draw some comfort in the conviction and sentencing today of Alexander Burnett at Nottingham Crown Court.”

“Burnett has shown no remorse or sympathy for his actions but instead sought to sully the good character of a hard working and loving mother greatly missed by her family.”

“The minimum tariff of 22 years reflects the gravity of his actions and there is no doubt that an extremely dangerous man has been removed from our community.”

“Lee’s family have acted with the upmost dignity whilst having to endure the full content of Burnett’s trial and our thoughts remain with them as they attempt to rebuild their lives.”

For further coverage pick up this week’s Worksop Guardian - out Friday.