The attack
A man has been jailed for life after brutally murdering his girlfriend on the night of their anniversary by slamming her head into the floor.
Kain Tailby, 31, launched the fatal attack on 21-year-old Christine Everett-Hickson after the pair returned home from a night out in Riddings, Derbyshire, on February 17, 2023.
The couple had been out celebrating their one-year anniversary but got into an argument once they were back in their flat. Tailby pinned Chrissie to the ground, grabbed her by the neck and smashed her head against the floor multiple times.
Emergency response
Chrissie was rushed to hospital with serious injuries, including multiple skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury. She died five days later.
Tailby, who initially tried to claim he acted in self-defence, told police: “She got pushy shovey… I retaliated and obviously I’m a bit bigger than what she is and it just escalated from there.”
He tried to shift blame onto Chrissie during his 999 call, and again in police interviews, saying it had been a “bad night” and that she was the one who started the pushing.
The trial
A jury at Derby Crown Court saw through his excuses and found him guilty of murder on March 26.
Sentencing
Tailby was sentenced on Friday (March 28) and told he must serve at least 16 years and 329 days before being considered for release.
Judge Shaun Smith KC told him: “In just a few minutes in your flat, your explosion of anger and violence snuffed out the life of Chrissie.
“She was just 21 when she died five days later. She was described by her mum as vibrant, funny, innocent, truly beautiful, compassionate and compelling.
“Whatever the reason, it was no justification for the level of violence you used. The effect of your actions on those who knew and loved Chrissie has been, and will remain, immeasurable.”
Family response
Chrissie’s mother has since said she forgives Tailby for what he did.
