Young mum who stabbed partner had been victim of domestic abuse

Sally Godwin, 29, had been a victim of domestic abuse at the hands of Billy Portz, Hull Crown Court was told.

During an argument over the whereabouts of some crack cocaine, the mother-of-two fatally stabbed Mr Portz with a kitchen knife at their home on Dodthorpe on the city's Orchard Park estate last November 9.

The Crown Prosecution Service accepted a plea of guilty to manslaughter rather than murder, on the basis that Godwin experienced a temporary loss of control.

The CPS said apart from a brief period, the couple had been together since their early teens and for the past decade or more Godwin had been suffering domestic abuse at the hands of Mr Portz.

He would bite and hit her and the assaults had culminated most recently in a broken cheekbone.

The couple would both drink, sometimes to excess, and also take drugs, the CPS said. The court heard that there were frequent fights and arguments when they were under the influence.

Jade Hakeney from CPS Yorkshire and Humberside said: “This was a tragic incident, which occurred in the wider context of ongoing domestic abuse within the relationship.

“The CPS accepted a plea of guilty to manslaughter rather than murder, on the basis that Sally Godwin experienced a temporary loss of control.

"The domestic abuse she had suffered was a significant factor in that decision. Although not entirely one way, she had been the victim of abuse and on one occasion was caused serious injury.

“Sally Godwin is now serving a six year sentence. Our thoughts remain with her children and wider family.”

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Christine Calvert said: “This was a violent attack fuelled by alcohol which resulted in a man sadly losing his life.

“My thoughts remain with Ronald’s family through this incredibly difficult time. I hope that they feel a sense of justice following today’s sentencing.”