Guilty verdict in Krystal Hart murder trial (From Your Local Guardian)

Guilty verdict in Krystal Hart murder trial

3:10pm Thursday 13th March 2008

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A "wannabe gangster" has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years for shooting dead a pregnant woman in a cold-blooded execution following a doorstep row.

An Old Bailey jury took three hours to find Thomas Hughes guilty of murdering Krystal Hart, 22, on Good Friday last year.

"Not only have I lost my daughter but I've lost my grandchild in the senseless and tragic murder of a young woman in the prime of her life."

Kystal Hart's mum

Hughes, 40, of Stonells Road, Battersea had denied the shooting, saying another man was responsible.

But parts of the incident - including the sound of two shots and Hughes hurrying away - were caught on CCTV.

The court heard how Hughes, a gun enthusiast, was besotted with Miss Hart's neighbour - Angela Brewer.

The jury was told Miss Brewer, who lived in the flat below Miss Hart in Belleville Road, Battersea, had often argued with the victim over noise from her home.

Hughes was said to have had an argument with Miss Hart's boyfriend, David Siveter, on April 6 last year - the day of her murder.

The court heard how Hughes and Mr Siveter got into a row over a parking space.

After the argument Hughes returned to the home he shared with his mum to collect a gun and then returned to Miss Hart's flat and shot her twice.

Hughes denied murdering Miss Hart saying another man must have shot her.

After Hughes conviction Krysal's mum, Deborah Penfold, said: "We feel justice has been done, but for me and my family the grief is just beginning. We have lost a daughter and a friend as well as the promise of my first grandchild.

"Although this conviction does not bring her back, it reassures me that this country still cares about the ordinary people in this world who have had their hearts ripped out and lives torn apart.

"I have a mother's memories of Krystal - her humour, her kindness and her great sense of fun. I can now begin to put her to rest with dignity and with some sense of closure.

"I will never forget her and I know God has a special place for Krystal in heaven. Her killer is clearly living in his own hell, and that is between him and his God.

"For my part - I want to say that it all started with love and it will end with love. The love we shared with her will never disappear."

• Did you know Thomas Hughes? Call Paul Cahalan on 0208 330 9533 or email pcahalan@london.newsquest.co.uk.

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