Man found guilty of beating girlfriend to death

Huseyin Kalyoncu was convicted of murder at Maidstone Crown Court on 25 October

A man has been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend after beating her to death in an argument.

Huseyin Kalyoncu, from Edenbridge, was arrested on 5 May after Sonia Parker was found unconscious at their home following a dispute over her use of WhatsApp.

Kent Police said Kalyoncu admitted to officers at the scene that in the days before he had repeatedly assaulted his girlfriend out of jealousy over her social media use.

He was convicted of murder at Maidstone Crown Court on 25 October after a jury unanimously found him guilty.

Police said during what proved to be the couple's final argument, Ms Parker was knocked unconscious following a sustained assault at the hands of Kalyoncu.

Paramedics attempted to revive the 51-year-old, but she was pronounced deceased shortly after.

Kalyoncu was arrested and later charged with murder.

During the trial, the court heard how Ms Parker died from a combination of catastrophic injuries to her head and torso from being repeatedly struck.

Police said in total, she suffered 69 marks to her body, internal bruising, damage to her liver and spleen, five fractured back bones and 19 fractures to her ribs and chest.

The pathologist determined some of the injuries predated her death by weeks.

'Sustained campaign of violence'

After his arrest, Kalyoncu was remanded in custody and appeared before Maidstone Crown Court on 13 June, where he denied the charge.

He later admitted to manslaughter, when he returned to court for trial.

Detective Superintendent Kathleen Way, said: "Kalyoncu subjected Sonia to a sustained campaign of violence.

"I hope the conviction provides Sonia’s family and friends with some comfort that Sonia’s killer will see a significant custodial sentence as consequence for his abhorrent behaviour."

Kalyoncu, 33, will be sentenced on 11 December.