Our thanks to Jeff for this. Excerpts:
A mother-of-two stabbed her partner to death through the heart with a kitchen knife during a ‘sudden outburst of unreasoned anger’, a court heard.
Michelle Spencer, 48, had abused her partner, David Butterfield, 43, for years when she turned on him earlier this year and killed him.
Just minutes before her trial was due to start at Leeds Crown Court today, Spencer chose to plead guilty to murder and was jailed for 13 years.
Police have revealed Mr Butterfield, described as a ‘hard working Yorkshireman’, had suffered domestic abuse in silence for years as he chose not to report his ordeal.
It also emerged Spencer had a history of violence and also abused her previous partners… [J4MB emphasis]
Jailing Spencer, Mr Justice Soole said: ‘This was an utterly unprovoked assault with a knife on your innocent partner…
‘The sentence which I imposed is one of imprisonment for life.
‘With credit for your plea of guilty, I sentence you to a minimum term of 13 years.’… [J4MB: The woman should have received no credit, nor a reduction in her prison sentence, for her plea of guilty. She would undoubtedly have been found guilty anyway (see below).]
Detective Inspector Ben McDonald said the police investigation uncovered a history of unreported violence which Spencer had inflicted on Butterfield and her previous partners. [J4MB emphasis]
He said Spender first tried to claim her partner had been attacked on his way back from the shops and then told detectives it had just been an accident.
But the truth was pieced together by officers and forensic experts.
Spencer was due to go on trial at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday, but admitted murder. She was sentenced at the same court on Thursday by Mr Justice Soole.
Mr McDonald said: “As a result of diligent and meticulous inquiries by the police investigation team, a violent woman has been brought to justice. Having originally lied to the police regarding the circumstances, the team have been able to uncover the facts, which has resulted in a guilty plea.
“Mr Butterfield had suffered domestic abuse at the hands of his partner and ultimately paid the price for the fact that these incidents were never reported to the police. No one, women or men, should suffer domestic violence and I would encourage victims of such incidents to contact the police or Victim Support as soon as possible.”
Police described Mr Butterfield as “a hard working Yorkshireman” who leaves two children, aged 16 and 19.
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Justice for Men & Boys 
There are two things I noted about this Story. The first that it demonstrated very clearly the reasons why men frequently don’t report. The man feared he would lose his home and access to children or simply not be believed. Both are sadly rational considerations.
The second was in the comment stream there were a number of male commenters of the “he’s a wimp” variety.
Overall really pretty clearly setting out why men suffer in silence. There is a long road to travel to get justice for men, probably an even longer one for some sympathy.
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Agreed. Even men killed by women get no sympathy. So what would the men who called him a wimp suggest he do? Knock her teeth out?
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And of course then be arrested for Domestic Violence. In my experience men who are suffering are advised never to retaliate for this reason. There is simply no male version of “you go girl”. The “Gendered” nature of the DV industry means a man has to be an exemplary person not to find themselves worse off if they do seek help.
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Meanwhile at Oxford it seems female students will benefit if they don’t have to go into college to do exams. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4593238/Oxford-let-history-students-sit-exams-HOME.html
Truly bizarre. Suggests women should never leave home at all because any challenging environment might be upsetting.
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I am disgusted at reading these post. It is as they say ‘INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY’ this did not go to trial. This is all evidence based on what they think happened and not what actually happened. I am all for justice but some of these comments are extremely unnecessary. I think that regardless of the situation she is a human being and she also has children who will read comments like this and it not a nice read.
I am sure I will get some horrible responses but just imagine if that was your son/daughter how would you feel. Every comment is like you know her and that’s what lets this down. I know Michelle and I know that it has not played out the way the prosecution / police / cps / media and yourselves included but unfortunately society is blind and we need someone to blame.
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I very much doubt you’ll get any responses, horrible or otherwise, in part because this case goes back eight years. I do not detect an ounce of compassion from you in regards to the boyfriend this violent woman killed, or the other men she abused.
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Mike, i understand but do you have the evidence that states that she abused these men? There is no evidence. Men and women are good at manipulation but i will fight for the justice that Michelle is not what everyone thinks. Michelle is a decent, kind and trust worthy individual and it may be 8 years old but justice has not been served. Michelle will prove that this was not how people think it happened. Michelle loved and still loves David and this story is not over.
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She still loves the man she killed? Got it…
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