Man who strangled his partner to death in Bexhill as baby daughter slept is jailed

A man who strangled his partner to death after an argument at her home in Bexhill, as their baby daughter slept in the same room, has been jailed for life for her murder. Ian Paton, 36, of Snowdrop Rise, St Leonards, was convicted and sentenced for the murder of his partner Kayleigh Hanks at Hove Crown Court earlier today (Friday, 7). [caption id="attachment_13293515" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Kayleigh Hanks[/caption] He carried out the act at 29-year-old Kayleigh's flat in London Road, Bexhill, shortly after midnight on Sunday July 21 last year. Police said he was sentenced to life imprisonment and will serve a minimum of 17 years. DCI Andy Wolstenholme, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: "Ian Paton claimed in court that he acted in self-defence during an argument with Kayleigh, who he said had come at him with a knife. "But our investigation showed that his superficial injuries were self-inflicted. "This was the tragic climax of a series of issues in their relationship in which each had accused the other of having affairs. "But this was made worse by Paton's volatile personality and his tendency to react violently under pressure. "For example, the court heard evidence of different incidents in which he grabbed two other women he knew but was not in a relationship with, and a man, by the throat for several seconds at a time, causing them great distress although no physical injury. "This terrible crime has deprived a young woman of her life, has devastated her family, and has left a tiny child, aged just seven months and who was in the same room when her mother was killed by her father, without parents." Kayleigh's family have since issued a tribute to her. Her sister Emma said: "Kayleigh was a kind, thoughtful loving person that would do anything for anyone. "She was an amazing mum, daughter, sister, auntie and friend. "Living without her will be the hardest thing we will ever have to do; she will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts. "She wasn't just a sister to me; she was my soul mate and best friend. "Myself, my mum and our family would like to thank everyone who has had helped us through this difficult time, the support has been incredible. "We would also like to thank all the Police Officers involved in this case because without them, we don't know where we would be, they have all been amazing. "But most of all we would like to thank our family liaison officers from the bottom of our hearts; they have helped us through this traumatic, horrible time in our lives and no amount of words would ever be enough in our eyes to repay them. "They are a credit to Sussex Police and wonderful individuals." More Radio is continuously dedicated to providing a quality news service on-air and online, reporting local stories that matter across Sussex. If you enjoyed reading this story, then check out our home page at moreradio.online where you can find the latest from the county, along with features and competitions from our presenters, as well as listening to the station live. You can also sign up to our news alerts to receive updates on new stories. Simply click on the bell at the bottom right of the home page. This will then allow a pop-up which will ask if you would like to receive alerts. Press ‘allow’ and you’re all signed up! You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.