The partner of Sharon Perrett, from Christchurch, has been jailed for life after being convicted of her murder.
Sharon, aged 37, was found dead at her home in Park Gardens in the early hours of Sunday 26 August 2018.
Her partner Daniel O’Malley-Keyes, of Chestnut Avenue in Bournemouth, was today – Thursday 30 May 2019 – found guilty of murder following a 13-day trial at Winchester Crown Court. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 18 years.
The jury heard evidence that the defendant and victim had gone out for drinks with another couple in Southbourne on the evening of Saturday 25 August 2018 to celebrate O’Malley-Keyes’ 38th birthday, which was actually the previous day.
They initially went to the Grove Tavern public house at around 7pm, where Sharon was said to be clearly under the influence of alcohol.
The group agreed to move to another venue, The Brewhouse and Kitchen, at around 7.50pm. As they walked up the road O’Malley-Keyes and Sharon began having a disagreement.
Sharon walked away and went to sit on a bench at a nearby bus stop while the other three went into the pub.
She remained in the area of Southbourne Grove, moving between two bus stops, until around 8.50pm when a couple passing by saw her lying on the pavement, apparently due to her intoxication.
Concerned for her welfare, they went to check on her and could see she had no visible injuries. The defendant then approached and said that she was his girlfriend and that he would look after her.
CCTV from the area showed Sharon stumbling to the floor at around 9.15pm before O’Malley-Keyes picked her up and carried her over his shoulder.
A neighbour at Park Gardens reported hearing raised voices from the couple’s flat at around 10.30pm, with another hearing O’Malley-Keyes shouting at around 12.30am.
At 2.17am the defendant phoned his mother, saying that Sharon was not breathing and he didn’t know what to do. She told him to phone an ambulance but he stated he was scared. O’Malley-Keyes’ mother went round to the address and she called for an ambulance at 2.43am.
Emergency services attended and Sharon was confirmed deceased by paramedics at 3am.
A post-mortem examination revealed that she had sustained multiple impact injuries to the head, neck, chest and limbs. There were 82 areas of external bruising or abrasions found and Sharon had sustained 15 recent fractures to her ribs.
In police interview the defendant claimed that the injuries were self-inflicted by his partner and that he had not assaulted her.
A statement issued on behalf of Sharon’s family said: “Sharon was like a painting with vibrant colours.
“She would brighten up anyone’s day with her smile and personality. She was loved by anyone who crossed her path. She could make people smile with a joke and laugh at her comical sense of humour.
“The loss we feel is overwhelming, living without her is indescribable. She is missed thoroughly by her family and friends.”
The family added that they would like to thank Dorset Police, particularly the family liaison officers, and the Crown Prosecution Service for the support they have received.
Detective Chief Inspector Rich Dixey, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The level of injuries indicate Sharon was the victim of a sustained violent attack at the hands of Daniel O’Malley-Keyes, which resulted in her tragic death.
“She was in a vulnerable state on that night and what she needed was a person who could protect her and look after her. The very person who should have done that actually brutally assaulted her, causing her death.
“I can only imagine the devastation this horrific crime has caused to Sharon’s family and I hope the verdict delivered by the jury today will bring some sense of closure. Our thoughts remain with them.”
Due to the relationship between the defendant and the victim, the matter has been referred for a Domestic Homicide Review. This has commenced and will be progressed by the Local Adult Safeguarding Board.
Due to prior police contact with the couple, this case was also referred to the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct). The investigation remains ongoing at this time and Dorset Police is co-operating with the process.
