Leigh: Man sentenced to life for murder

The family of Sharon Butler say “she will never be forgotten” as the man who killed her is sentenced to life in prison following work by our detectives.

Sharon, who was 64, was found unconscious at the home of her brother, Kevin Shepherd, in Whitehouse Meadows, Leigh-on-Sea on the evening of Tuesday 7 November last year.

Fifty-five year-old Shepherd had called us shortly after 9pm claiming he’d fought with her and she was unconscious.

When officers arrived they found Sharon seriously injured in Shepherd’s garden and covered with a tarpaulin.

Close to where Sharon’s body was found, officers discovered a knife stabbed into a plant pot.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, she was declared dead at the scene and Shepherd was arrested.

He was later charged with her murder and was due to stand trial on 7 May but, ahead of the trial, he changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.

At Basildon Crown Court on Monday 13 May he was sentenced to life in prison and must spend a minimum of 13 years and 6 months behind bars before he is eligible for parole.

In a statement, Sharon’s family said:

“Our world has been shattered by the loss of our loving daughter and sister. Our lives will never be the same without her. She never will be forgotten and will be forever in our hearts.
"The family ask for privacy at this difficult time.”

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, who lead the investigation, said:

“My thoughts, and those of my team, are with Sharon’s friends and family today.
"I know that no sentence will change what has happened but I hope it will help them move forward.
"Kevin Shepherd took the life of his sister in a horrendous attack and I am glad we have been able to bring him to justice.
"I also want to thank my team for their professionalism and dedication throughout this complex and sensitive investigation.”

A man has pleaded guilty to murder, following the death of Sharon Butler, 64.

Kevin Shepherd of Whitehouse Meadows, Leigh-on-Sea, pleaded guilty to the murder of his sister, Sharon Butler, 64, when he appeared at Basildon Crown Court, ahead of a trial, on Tuesday 7 May.

The 55-year-old will now be sentenced at the same court on Monday, 13 May.

Last year, Kevin Shepherd called Essex Police’s Force Control Room shortly after 9pm on Tuesday 7 November, claiming he had fought with his sister and she was unconscious.

When officers arrived at Kevin Shepherd’s Whitehouse Meadows home, they found a seriously injured woman in the home’s garden, covered with a tarpaulin.

Officers found a knife in the front garden, stabbed into a plant pot.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Sharon Butler was declared dead at the scene and Kevin Shepherd was immediately arrested.

At the time of Sharon’s death, her family expressed their deep shock and paid tribute to her saying:

“Our world has been shattered by the loss of our loving daughter and sister. Our lives will never be the same without her.
"She never will be forgotten and will be forever in our hearts.” 

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, who led the murder investigation, said:

“My team of detectives have shown nothing but professionalism and dedication throughout this sensitive investigation to bring Kevin Shepherd to justice.
"He has admitted causing Sharon’s death and the court will determine the terms of his life sentence.
“My condolences and thoughts continue to remain with Sharon’s remaining family and friendship circle.”