Teenager ‘strangled girlfriend and killed unborn child’

Aston Robinson, 18, allegedly punched Kayleigh Ann Palmer, 16, before wrapping a red tartan scarf around her neck in a bid to make her “be quiet”.

Bristol Crown Court heard Robinson pulled the scarf tight for up to 30 seconds before Kayleigh fell to the floor of his parents’ home in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.

Robinson’s sister discovered Kayleigh unconscious shortly after the incident, on April 2 this year, after seeing him fleeing the scene on a borrowed BMX bike.

Kayleigh was taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where medics attempted to save the life of the teenager and her unborn baby girl, who was almost 24 weeks gestation.

The baby’s heartbeat stopped the following day, on April 3, and Kayleigh was pronounced dead on April 5, after doctors induced labour.

Robinson, of Humber Road, Cheltenham, was charged with murder and child destruction, which he denies as he claims he did not intend to kill her or harm their child.

Prosecuting, Christopher Quinlan QC, said; “She left home at about 9.15 on the morning of April 2 but she didn’t go to school. Instead, she met up with this defendant.

“They went together to his home. She was wearing her school uniform, and despite the fact it was a relatively warm day, also a scarf.

“Later that morning, just before midday in his home, the defendant strangled her.

“He used the scarf which he said he put round her neck and pulled to inflict injuries from which she never recovered.

“She died three days later. She was almost 24 weeks pregnant. When he strangled her he caused the death of the unborn child, a girl she was carrying.”

Mr Quinlan said Robinson 
was interviewed by police after handing himself in to Cheltenham police station later that 
day.”

The trial continues.