Woman Sentenced for Assisting Offender in Kathryn Parton Murder
A 45-year-old woman who admitted to assisting her son following the murder of Kathryn Parton has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Ms Parton's remains were found by her father in the bedroom of her home on Madrid Street in Belfast on 15 May 2024.
Her partner, Jamie McAllister, was among three individuals arrested after the murder, including his mother, Suzanne Love.
Love, residing on Isoline Street in Belfast, appeared at Belfast Crown Court on Friday where she pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice between 8 and 16 May 2024 by removing items from the crime scene and washing items with the intent to destroy evidence.
The mother of three also admitted to assisting an offender during the same period.
Madam Justice McBride sentenced Love to four years, with the term split equally between imprisonment and licence.
Details of the Murder and Investigation
A post-mortem examination revealed that Ms Parton, aged 34, had suffered a beating and that immediate medical intervention might have saved her life.
Her partially decomposed body was discovered by her father, Ernie Parton, at the home she shared with McAllister on 15 May 2024.
Unable to contact his daughter, Mr Parton visited her residence and found her lying in the bedroom, which led to McAllister’s arrest.
Court Proceedings and Evidence
Madam Justice McBride outlined the Crown’s case, stating that around 21:40 BST on 9 May, a friend left Ms Parton’s home while she was uninjured.
Shortly after, Love arrived at the property after being contacted by her son, Jamie McAllister.
There was ongoing commotion in the house when Love arrived. In a statement she later prepared, Love said she went upstairs and saw Ms Parton lying on the bedroom floor.
Love stated that Ms Parton was breathing and did not appear severely injured, and that she called out her name.
Ms Parton responded, but Love could not understand what was said. After the front door was knocked, Love went back downstairs.
The bedroom was heavily bloodstained and in disarray. Forensic evidence showed that Love walked in Ms Parton’s blood before leaving the scene.
Failure to Seek Medical Assistance
"She must therefore have been aware that the deceased was badly injured and bleeding profusely, but still alive."
Madam Justice McBride noted that despite this, Love did not summon medical or other assistance for Ms Parton.
"She accepts that she could have alerted the emergency services or an alternative form of help for the deceased. She chose not to do so.
It is agreed that this deprived the deceased of the opportunity of potentially life-saving treatment."
The judge stated that Love’s offences of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender began immediately after she left Madrid Street.
Extent of Injuries
A state pathologist concluded that Ms Parton sustained extensive and multiple injuries consistent with punches, kicks, and stamps.
The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, and it was determined that immediate medical assistance might have altered the outcome.
Regarding Love’s offences, Madam Justice McBride said that by pleading guilty, Love accepted that she intentionally destroyed evidence and impeded her son’s apprehension.
"In this case, I am satisfied that the defendant could have alerted the emergency services or an alternative form of help for the deceased.
Her actions deprived the deceased of the opportunity of potentially life-saving treatment."
The judge added that Love’s failure to act resulted in Ms Parton’s body remaining undiscovered for several days.
Family Impact
Ms Parton’s parents described their "catastrophic loss" in court.
"She was our only child, our daughter who we waited for 14 long years for. Our gift.
Since Kathryn's murder, our lives have been permanently changed. The grief we carry is constant. It is present in every part of our day - from the moment we wake up to the quiet moments when their absence feels overwhelming."
A statement from Ernie Parton was read aloud:
"I cannot find the words to explain the shock and horror of finding my daughter lying dead on her bedroom floor in a pool of blood. That image will haunt me for the rest of my life.
I have lost my motivation and ability to focus on anything since, no matter how hard I try. I've lost my only child, and my grandson, his mother, to a senseless and brutal attack."
Madam Justice McBride addressed the Parton family, stating:
"The parents have set out eloquently the adverse impact the death of their only and much-loved and much-wanted child had upon the entire family.
Their lives have changed forever and they have now become carers of her child."
Defence and Sentencing Considerations
Solicitor Philip Breen, representing Love, stated that although his client waived the right to a pre-sentence report, she has expressed genuine remorse and shame for her actions.
Madam Justice McBride acknowledged defence submissions highlighting Love’s "extremely difficult position because of the family relationship."
The court also heard that Love, who has been a victim of previous domestic abuse, has used her time on remand to undertake courses and counselling.
