By Lucy Caulkett-
A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of a grieving widow who offered him shelter on Christmas Day.
Thomas Grant, 28,(pictured) was found guilty of stabbing and strangling Lucy Clews, 39, in what was described as an “exceptionally violent” attack. The tragic incident took place at her home in West Chadsmoor, Staffordshire, on Christmas Day 2021.
The court heard that Grant had recently met Ms. Clews on Christmas Eve, and she had kindly offered him a place to stay during the holiday season as he had nowhere else to go.
However, this act of kindness took a tragic turn as Grant’s drug addiction spiraled out of control, leading to a horrifying act of violence.
During the trial at Stafford Crown Court, the jury was presented with a harrowing account of the events that unfolded. Prosecutors detailed how Ms. Clews was found lifeless by the police, who were alerted by her concerned mother after failing to hear from her during the festive period.
CCTV footage showed Grant leaving Ms. Clews’ home, and it was revealed that he had stolen and sold her jewelry, including her wedding ring and a necklace that belonged to her late husband, as well as her mobile phone.
These possessions were sold to fund his drug addiction.
Grant, who had no fixed address, was eventually apprehended in Hednesford on December 30, 2021. He initially provided a false name to the arresting officers.
However, his possessions and a knife bearing both Ms. Clews’ and his DNA were discovered at her residence, providing crucial evidence in the case.
Lucy Clews was found dead on 29 December 2021 : Image: Staffordshire Police
Sentencing Grant to life imprisonment, Judge Kristina Montgomery KC ordered that he must serve a minimum of 25 years and 152 days behind bars. The verdict brings some closure to the grieving family, who expressed their sentiments following the sentencing.
In a statement released by the police on behalf of Ms. Clews’ family, they stated, “We cannot express in words the hurt we feel in losing Lucy. We will never know what the future would have held for her. The sorrow and pain will never go away, but it is some comfort to us to know that justice has been served.”
Linda, Lucy’s mother, expressed her love and eternal memories of her daughter, adding, “I always had her in my mind, no matter where she was.”
Her grandmother, Elizabeth, echoed the sentiments, saying, “I love her and will always love her, forever and always.”
Detective Chief Inspector Cheryl Hannan of Staffordshire Police, the senior investigating officer in the case, described the attack as “horrific, cruel, and exceptionally violent.”
Hannan extended sympathies to Lucy’s family and friends, acknowledging the profound loss they have endured. She emphasized that the sentence, though unable to bring Lucy back or fully heal the sense of loss, represents justice being served.