Spurned woman jailed for murdering love rival

Joy Boulton was found dead at her home in Ash in May

A woman who murdered her love rival in a “sustained and ferocious” attack fuelled by jealousy has been jailed.

Sara McKenzie used a heavy object to inflict fatal injuries on Joy Boulton, 59, at her home in Ash, Surrey, on 11 May.

McKenzie had been left heartbroken at her failed efforts to rekindle a relationship with a man who had struck up a romance with Ms Boulton, police said.

At Guildford Crown Court, McKenzie, 62, was sentenced to 25 years and 163 days in prison for murder and perverting the course of justice.

Investigators said the killing happened after McKenzie tried to revive a relationship with Ms Boulton's fiancé Trevor Dibnah, but he refused to get back with her.

Unable to cope with the rejection, McKenzie, of Fairview Road, Ash, went to Ms Boulton's house in Church View with the sole intention of killing her, according to Surrey Police.

Officers said she struck her multiple times in an attack which left her with catastrophic head injuries.

Sara McKenzie struck Joy Boulton multiple times in a sustained and ferocious attack

Crucial evidence was left when Ms Boulton, of Ash, scratched McKenzie’s face.

DNA was discovered under her fingernails which proved critical in securing McKenzie’s conviction, police said.

Detectives said McKenzie went on to construct an “elaborate cover-up” involving claims of being a victim of a robbery in an effort to explain why the DNA was found under Ms Boulton’s fingernails.

Det Ch Insp Kimball Edey said: “McKenzie’s motive for killing Joy was simple – she wanted what Joy had.

"McKenzie has a previous history of jealous behaviour.

“McKenzie went to Joy’s that morning with the sole intention of killing her so that she could get Trevor back. The rage and brutality McKenzie used when she attacked Joy cannot be overstated – sadly, Joy never stood a chance.”

Paying tribute to Ms Boulton, her family said: “We are deeply devastated by this senseless act of violence which has changed our lives forever.

“Joy was a very caring person, who was always ready to help other people whenever she could, despite having many health and mobility problems herself."