A man has been convicted of murdering his partner after subjecting her to years of abuse.
Earlston Bennett, aged 58, of Towpath Way in Croydon, was found guilty of murdering 58-year-old Sarah Reynolds at Southwark Crown Court.
He was also convicted of controlling and coercive behaviour.
Ms Reynolds’ family said: "Although this is a good result and justice has been served, we have lost a sister, mum and grandmother.
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"We won't ever come to terms with her loss."
Detective inspector Carly Shaw, who led the investigation, said: "This is an awful case whereby Sarah was subjected to years of degrading abuse by the man closest to her.
"He chose to use Sarah’s affection for him as a vehicle to repeatedly demean and assault her, eroding her sense of self-worth.
"He then took her life."
Bennett called 999 at 4.36am on April 12, 2025, reporting that Ms Reynolds had taken an overdose of prescription medication and was unresponsive.
Paramedics arrived within minutes and began resuscitation attempts.
She was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly before 6am.
A paramedic noticed injuries on Ms Reynolds’ body and questioned Bennett, who admitted to an argument but insisted she had overdosed.
A post-mortem examination revealed she died from blunt force trauma to her torso and head.
Bennett was arrested at 5.05am on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
He was re-arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after 6am.
During police interviews, Bennett admitted to physically assaulting Ms Reynolds but denied causing her death.
He claimed her injuries were caused by an overdose, falls or CPR.
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