Police Response Over Murder 'Flawed'

A police watchdog has found that a woman killed by her ex partner was not given an "essential murder response".

Jeanette Goodwin was murdered by Martin Bunch, 44, at her home in Southend, Essex.

She was stabbed 30 times in front of her husband.

Mrs Goodwin, 47, a mother of three, had reported to the police seven times since January 2011 that she was undergoing harassment and domestic violence by Mr Bunch.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) also found the victim had informed police hours before the attack.

The IPCC described the system as "badly flawed".

Bunch was jailed for life and a minimum term of 27 at Chelmsford Crown Court in August. The jury found him guilty with a unanimous verdict.

Essex Police said it has taken action to improve shortcomings in their performance.

Mrs Goodwin and Bunch had previously engaged in an affair for a number of years. The affair was ended by her.

In a statement Mrs Goodwin's family said: "The family are pleased that the IPCC report has highlighted areas of procedures that could have been better on the day of Jeanette's death.

"Although this will not bring back our dearest Jeanette, we are satisfied that these procedures have been improved, ensuring that victims of domestic violence can now be treated as they should, as a priority.

"Jeanette's three children have a lifetime of growing up without their mother seeing them progress, marry, and settle down with their own families.

"Our lives are never going to be the same again."

(IT)