A KILLER has been jailed for 16 years after stabbing a woman 14 times.

Homeless Scott Hilling, 26, tied up, tortured and killed mother-of-two Kathleen Griffin, 57, who was letting him stay with her.

Hilling was cleared of murder but admitted, and was sentenced, for manslaughter by diminished responsibility at Chelmsford Crown Court today.

Hilling will serve the start of the sentence in a secure hospital where he will receive treatment for his disorders.

If the treatment works he will be transferred to prison to continue his sentence until a parole board deems him fit for release.

Hilling killed Ms Griffin at her ground floor flat, in Old Road, Clacton, during the afternoon of December 17.

He tied her up with bedsheets and tortured her.

She was stabbed 14 times including to both sides of the neck and the chest.

Gazette:

  • Kathleen Griffin was stabbed 14 times.

Senior investigating officer DI Al Pitcher said: "Scott Hilling has admitted the manslaughter of Kathleen Griffin.

"His attack on her was savage. At no point has he ever shown any shred of remorse for his actions for this brutal attack. I am pleased that he has been held to account for his cruel and violent acts.

Gazette:

  • Savage attack: Killer Hilling showed no remorse.

"I would like to pay tribute to Kathleen’s family for the support that they have provided to our investigation and the dignity that they have shown throughout the case.

"Although nothing will ever bring Kathleen back, or lessen the pain that they have suffered, I am hopeful that this verdict and sentence will give the family some closure so that they can start to move forward. My thoughts are very much with them at this time.”

Kathleen’s son Dale McMullan said: "Our wonderful mother, grandmother and sister, was so cruelly taken from us by Scott Hilling, in the most cruel and evil way imaginable, leaving our family truly heartbroken.

Gazette:

  • Happier times: Kathleen with son Dale when he was a youngster.

"We have now found justice for her and she can finally rest in peace. A mother, who loved her family dearly, who was kind hearted, a heart like a diamond, generous to all she met, she will never be forgotten and she will be dearly missed by us all.

"We would like to thank Essex Police for their continued support and caring approach to our devastating loss.”