Swindon sisters guilty of killing mum of eight in moped row

Charice Gassmann (left) was found guilty of murder and her sister Amberstasia was found guilty of manslaughter

Two sisters have been found guilty of killing a mother of eight children from Swindon after an argument over a moped.

Alison Connolly, 49, was stabbed in the communal area of a block of flats after a fracas at a shop in the town.

Charice Gassmann, 19, was found guilty of murder and Amberstasia Gassmann, 23, was convicted of manslaughter after a trial at Bristol Crown Court.

Charice Gassmann was jailed for life, to serve a minimum of 19 years. Her sister was sentenced to 12 years.

The jury heard Ms Connolly was attacked after a disagreement over a moped belonging to her daughter's boyfriend.

'Completely devastated'

Det Sgt Liz Coles from Wiltshire Police described the killing as a "brutal attack" which happened in the middle of the day in the communal area of Evelyn House, Park North, Swindon.

She added: "Both Charice and Amberstasia are violent individuals who have shown no remorse for their actions.

"As a result, eight people have been left without their mother, and seven children will now grow up without their grandmother."

After sentencing, Ms Connolly's family released a statement saying: "We are completely devastated to have lost our mum in such a cruel and horrific way.

"Nobody deserves to die in such awful circumstances.

"She was a brilliant mum and grandma - full of life, happy, funny and caring.

CCTV images from Wiltshire police showed the attack in the communal area outside Evelyn House, Park North on 12 May

"We miss her every single day and wish she was still here with us."

Charice Gassmann had previously admitted manslaughter but had denied murder.

Her older sibling Amberstasia had denied all the charges against her.

Alison Connolly died from a single stab wound to her chest