Ruth Hufton: Neighbour Anthony Green jailed for killing 'beautiful, intelligent and talented' woman in Beeston, Nottinghamshire

A man has been jailed for killing his “beautiful, intelligent and very talented” neighbour.

Ruth Hufton, 46, died suddenly in September last year. She had been reported missing by her family, who raised the alarm with police. Officers found her body when they broke into her flat to investigate, and say she was found with a scarf wrapped tightly around her neck, and had died “as a result of pressure to the neck”.

Her neighbour Anthony Green, who lived opposite her block of flats in County Close, Beeston, Nottinghamshire, was arrested on suspicion of murder after police worked out that he was in her flat just before she died, and then he was charged.

After being arrested he said he was surprised that he had been arrested for murder and not manslaughter. The court was told he then provided police with a written statement in which he admitted being at Ms Hufton’s flat for sexual activity, but denied killing her.

But days before a murder trial was due to start, Green changed his tune and on May 10 admitted manslaughter at Nottingham Crown Court. Prosecutors accepted the plea and he was sentenced yesterday on Thursday to 12 years in prison.

During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors told the court Ms Hufton had once been a “happy, young woman” whose life took a downward turn when she became addicted to Class A drugs after getting into a “toxic” relationship.

Mary Prior KC, for the prosecution, said Green lived opposite Ms Hufton’s block of flats and that he took drugs with her. She went on to say that following Ms Hufton’s death, Green told “a pack of lies” in a bid to evade justice, only admitting to her manslaughter days before his trial was due to take place.

In accepting the manslaughter plea, the prosecution said it accepted Ms Hufton had died as a result of an “unlawful act” – namely strangulation – that came with a “high risk of death that ought to have been obvious to the defendant”.

The court also heard Ms Hufton’s body had lain undiscovered for several days and that Green had returned to the flat after her death and stole her television, which he then sold for cash. 

Green’s defence team said he accepted he was responsible for an “unlawful assault” that led to Ms Hufton’s “unintentional death”, adding that he “accepts the gravity of his actions and inactions” in relation to the case.

In passing sentence, Judge James Sampson said: “Nothing the court can do or say can right this grievous and devastating wrong.” Addressing Green directly, the judge said he had shown “no remorse” in going fishing with a friend following Ms Hufton’s death, before then lying to detectives about his involvement.

“It’s clear your only thought was for yourself,” the judge told the killer.https://jpi-cms-prod.brightsites.co.uk/articles

Following the sentencing, Ms Hufton’s family said in a joint statement: “Ruth was a beautiful, intelligent, strong-willed, determined and gifted person whose life was cruelly taken from her. She was a huge music fan who loved Madonna and U2. She was very talented herself and could speak multiple languages, having once worked in the Army as a linguist in the Royal Signals. She could also communicate in sign-language.

“To hear she had died in such awful circumstances was truly devastating and changed all our lives forever. Knowing we will never see her again is unbearable. No sentence passed today can make up for the pain we are feeling as a family. She will be deeply missed and will forever be in our hearts.

“As the court heard, Ruth had been a happy woman whose life took a downward turn. Had it not been for Green’s actions, we are certain she would have turned her life around and fulfilled the enormous potential she had. She had so much more to give this world.

“Green’s callous and malicious actions in taking Ruth’s life and leaving her for several days – as well as stealing her possessions – makes him beyond redemption. Finally, we would like to thank Nottinghamshire Police for working tirelessly to find Ruth’s killer and to put him before the courts.”

Detective Inspector Kaz Smithson, who led the investigation, paid tribute to Ms Hufton's family for showing enormous dignity throughout the legal process. She said:

“Following Ruth’s tragic death, Green went no comment before providing a prepared statement denying any knowledge or involvement in her death. I am pleased he finally admitted his involvement. This would never have happened without the incredible work, assistance and perseverance of my investigation team.

“This was a painstaking inquiry that involved trawling through many hours of CCTV footage, forensic work and analysis of mobile phone data. This truly has been a huge team effort where every single officer and staff member has played an integral part.  

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ruth and thank each of them for the courage and dignity they have shown in unimaginably difficult circumstances.”