Murdered Samantha Murphy's family say they have been 'handed a life sentence' as her killer Charlie Jeans is jailed
A murder trial has come to an end but a family has said the ‘grief and trauma’ will last a lifetime
The family of a murdered mum-of-three have said they have been handed “a life sentence with no minimum term”.
31-year-old Jeans, who murdered her in a fit of rage, was sentenced to a life sentence in prison with a minimum term of 17 years before he can apply for parole. The 373 days he has already spent in custody has been deducted from this sentence.
Samantha’s sister, Louise Redmond, read a victim statement out at Portsmouth Crown Court today (June 17) during the sentencing of Jeans, which was widely attended by her loved ones.
She said she saw her sister “slipping away before my eyes in April 2024” when Samantha entered a relationship, which as previously been described as “toxic”, with Jeans.
She said: “What he did on June 5 was an act of unimaginable cruelty. He could’ve spared her children from finding her. The trauma of finding their beautiful mum will last a lifetime.
“He has stolen everyone’s future. I should’ve had another 40 years with my sister. He has handed our family a life sentence of grief and trauma.”
Brenden Gillen, Samantha’s ex-partner who she had three children with, also said in a victim statement that his children have been left traumatised by her death, made worse by the fact they were ones who discovered her body.
He said: “She was taken from us in the most horrific way at such a young age. She was a very good mother. She adored her children and they adored her. The 5th of June will forever be imprinted in my mind. Walking into her home and finding Sam will be the last image I have of her. This is through nobody’s fault but his (Jeans ).
Following the sentencing, Samantha’s mum, Denise Calver, released a statement outside the court saying the family had finally got justice for Samantha. Jeans has initially pleaded not guilty to the charges before changing his plea mid-trial on Monday.
She said: “Today we got justice. From the beginning, we were determined to see justice done. Reaching this milestone allows us to focus entirely on celebrating Sam’s life and we will never allow the light that she brought to us all to be forgotten.
“Sam was a kind and loving daughter, sister and mother. To me, she was my best friend and sidekick. To her sisters, Louise and Jodie, she was a deeply beloved friend. She was adored by all who met her. Above all, Sam was a fiercely devoted mother to her three young children. They were her world. We are united in our promise to give them love, care and support they need to thrive, we will ensure they grow up knowing exactly how much their mother adored them.
“Shine bright Sam.”
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Today, the court was told by prosecutor Joanna Martin KC that it was Jeans’ “intention was to silence her”, with Samantha previously having contacted the police under Claire’s Law. Jeans has also told a psychiatrist “he wanted the noise to stop”.
Judge Adam Feest KC told the court that Jeans has subjected Samantha to a terrifying attack from which she had no escape.
He said: “He turned to violence and attacked Samantha in a way that proved to be fatal. I am quite satisfied on the evidence that he not only strangled her with one hand but also put his other hand over her nose and mouth. At the time she was lying on the sofa and would have found it almost impossible to defend herself against the defendant - it is difficult to imagine the terror that Sammy must have experienced as she was suffocated and strangled to death, defenceless.
“This exercise is not about him. It is about Samantha and the indescribable loss that her murder has caused to her family and friends, and particularly her three young children Amelia, Isla and Albi. They will now grow up without knowing the unconditional and eternal love that any mother has for her children.
“They have all been devastated by her loss, as has the wider family, and they describe the long-lasting impact that her absence will have upon them all.
“Any sentence I impose today can never make right the wrong that Charlie Jeans has done.”
As previously reported by The News, the jury were told that Jeans, 31, from Margate Road, Southsea, went on the run after murdering Samantha and leaving her body in her home.
He returned to the property later that night to collect his belongings, and ended up at an address in Midway Road, Hilsea, where his friend Richard Palmer lived. There, he spent the next few days drinking non-stop until Mr Palmer was informed Jeans was wanted by police and phoned 101.
Ms Martin explained that when police found Samantha’s body they also found a Ring doorbell camera in the dustbin, as well as a broken wine glass, both of which were recovered as evidence.
She has previously told the jury how “Jeans expressed his anger by saying he would kill her.”
Jeans, who answered “no comment” to all questions put before him during his police interview, told the court last week that he thought Samantha was “either sleeping or unconscious”, and he “didn’t appreciate” the severity of her injuries until her returned to the address.
“In one selfish, violent act, he has robbed Samantha of her future and her family and friends of their loved one.
“Whilst I am glad to see Jeans put behind bars, today my thoughts remain solely with those who knew and loved Samantha. Murder is a crime that no sentence will ever truly bring justice for.
“I’d like to thank Samantha’s family for their support throughout this investigation. I can only imagine how difficult the last year has been for you all, but your assistance has been invaluable in seeing today’s result secured.
“I would also like to thank my investigation team, who’s relentless hard work and dedication left Jeans with no choice but to admit his guilt and face the consequences.