Newmarket man given life sentence after stabbing and strangling former girlfriend

A man has been sentenced to life in prison following the death of a woman in Newmarket.

Charles Jessop, of Bakers Row, in Newmarket, was jailed at Ipswich Crown Court today (Friday, July 16) and will serve a minimum term of 30 years in jail after he was found guilty of murder on Wednesday, June 9, by a jury.

It follows a trial which commenced on April 12, at Ipswich Crown Court, relating to the death of Clare Nash, aged 33, from Newmarket, following an incident on Thursday, January 16, 2020, just after 9.30pm, to a report that Clare had been stabbed in her house in Brickfields Avenue, Newmarket.

Emergency services attended but sadly Clare died at the scene.

Jessop was arrested at Clare’s address and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning where he was subsequently charged.

During the trial the court and jury heard how the 30-year-old had bombarded Clare with unwanted telephone contact as their relationship ended, the Prosecution asserted that he became suspicious and jealous regarding Clare Nash’s new relationship. The court heard how Clare had died from multiple stab wounds and strangulation.

Midway through the trial, Charles Jessop pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Senior Investigating Officer DI Matthew Connick said: “Charles Jessop was a violent offender who undertook the premediated murder of Clare Nash. I am pleased with the length of sentence as it reflects the cruel nature of his actions. As was the case at conviction our thoughts remain with the family.”

Jessop was also sentenced for an assault on a 22 year old male which occurred in November 2019 in Newmarket and that he had had previously pleaded guilty to. He received an 18 month jail sentence which will run concurrently with the life sentence.