RLC Associate Tenant Jonathan Sandiford KC prosecutes Double Murder

RLC Associate Tenant, Jonathan Sandiford KC has prosecuted Marcus Osbourne, who pleaded guilty to the murders of his former partner Katie Higton and her subsequent partner Steven Harnett.

Mr Osborne had forced his way into Ms Higton’s, at Harpe Inge in Dalton, which he once shared with her armed with a knife.

The 35-year-old then waited for Ms Higton’s return, from a cinema date with Mr Harnett, and brutally attacked her as soon as she came through the door.

Ms Higton had 99 injuries to her body, including five stab wounds. There were also stab wounds to Ms Higton’s face and evidence she had tried to defend herself. Having murdered Ms Higton, Mr Osborne used her mobile telephone to pose as her and lure Mr Harnett to the house intending to murder him. Mr Harnett was stabbed and slashed 24 times upon arrival.

Mr Osbourne also admitted to false imprisonment and rape of another woman that evening, whose identity remains protected. 4 children were in the house when the murders took place.

In July 2023, after Osbourne’s guilty pleas, he was informed to anticipate a life sentence. The sentencing hearing, scheduled for two days, will take place before the Honourable Mrs. Justice Lambert at Leeds Crown Court starting from February 29.

Since taking Silk in 2020, Jonathan has been instructed in a number of complex and sensitive cases involving substantial homicide and allied offences: [Jonathan Sandiford KC Profile]

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